As the 2023 season begins, the Oakville softball team is experiencing a unique scenario under head coach Rich Sturm — the Tigers have zero seniors on this year’s roster.

“To my knowledge, I don’t ever remember us not having at least one senior on the roster,” Sturm said. “But we return a good core of players with varsity experience.”

This core consists of six starters that are returning from last season’s squad that went 18-11 overall.

“We’re very pleased with our team with a lot of experience returning,” Sturm said. “I’m looking forward to seeing what this group can accomplish this year.”

Sophomore Addie Frank returns to the Tiger’s lineup after an all-state selection performance in 2022 in which she batted .531 with 30 runs batted in (RBI). The Tigers’ first baseman also racked up 17 doubles and one home run and is poised to have an even more impressive second year in Oakville’s starting lineup.

“Addie’s such a well-rounded and intelligent player,” Sturm said. “She looks much stronger, confident and comfortable at the plate and on the field. She’s always leading by example.”

Another formidable force in the Tigers’ lineup this season is junior third baseman Morgan Kovach. During the 2022 campaign, Kovach batted .305 with six doubles, five home runs and 31 RBIs.

“Morgan is a very good hitter and is somebody that’s tweaked her swing and made major improvements,” Sturm said. “She’s a lot of fun to coach and watch as a player.”

The Tigers offensive prowess gets even more impressive with junior Amelia Wiesler behind the plate. Last season she batted .345 with four doubles, seven home runs and 28 RBI.

“Amelia’s an exceptional hitter that has great discipline,” Sturm said. “I think she’s improved a lot defensively and her arm is really good this year.”

At shortstop and pitcher is Lexi Kahle. In 2022 Kahle batted .284 with five doubles, one home run and 13 RBIs.

“Lexi will pitch and play shortstop for us this year,” Sturm said. “She’s looked really good in the circle pitching and is also looking very good defensively at shortstop.”

Junior Reagan Kemp is another player to keep an eye on this season at second base and shortstop. Last season Kemp batted .260 with five doubles, one home run and 16 RBIs.

“Reagan has an exceptional arm and improved a lot at the plate,” Sturm said. “She’s worked really hard over the summer.”

The bulk of the Tiger’s pitching may rest on junior Cassidy Welch who was 3-2 overall in 2022 with a 5.49 earned run average.

“Cassidy’s velocity, command and control has improved since last season,” Sturm said. “She’s really elevated her game and has taken that step to the next level when it comes to pitching.”