After posting their first winning record in nine years, the Mehlville girls softball team is looking to build off of last year’s successful season.
“We’re coming off the best season that we’ve had in nearly 10 years,” Mehlville head coach Tim Ode said. “With that being said, we’re going to have some high expectations of the girls that have come out for the team this season.”
Sophomore Lily Douglas starts in the circle for the Panthers as the team’s starting pitcher, in which she posted a record of 12-9 overall with a stout 1.96 ERA. At the plate, Douglas was impressive with a .356 batting average in which she had 18 runs and 12 stolen bases.
“Lily pitched almost every single inning for us and we will lean on her again this year,” Ode said. “She’s got the tools and now we have to set batters up and go into games this year with a plan.”
Senior center fielder Gabi Moen will provide a commanding presence in the outfield this season after gaining all conference honors in 2021. Last year Moen batted .344 with 15 RBI and one home run.
“Gabi is so gifted athletically,” Ode said. “She’s going to be the general in the outfield for us.”
Sophomore Claire Parish will see time at first base this season for the Panthers as well as catcher. In 2021 Parish batted .385 with four doubles and 17 RBI.
“Claire was one of our leading RBI producers at cleanup last season,” Ode said. “She’s maturing into becoming a veteran leader on the team this year.”
At shortstop for the 2022 season is senior Emily Vassolo who hit .462 with 17 doubles and 19 RBI. Vassolo was also a threat on the basepaths for the Panthers as she recorded 10 stolen bases.
“Emily is a four-year starter on the varsity and our team leader,” Ode said. “She was a first team all conference selection and was half of our offense all by herself last season.”
Sophomores Rylie Harper (third base) and Morgan Ulrich (catcher) are also poised to make significant impacts in the Panther’s starting lineup this season. “Rylie played good enough defense to get herself to the varsity level last season and we’re hoping to see her have more success at the plate this year,” Ode said. “Morgan’s been working hard and got together with Lily over the summer to build that pitcher- catcher chemistry.”
The Panthers begin the 2022 season at Lutheran South Aug. 26 at 4:15 p.m.
