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Last year, mound time was dominated by Cameron Timmons, who served as the lone ace for the Lady Dragons softball team. This year, opponents couldn’t get used to seeing one arm winding up against them when they played Carroll.
Four different pitchers have started, as no one hurler carried the load for the team. Through the first 27 games, the staff was led by Timmons (3-2), Sydney Stagg (4-2) and Aubree Shelton (3-1) who boasted a team-leading 2 ERA.
“We've pitched by committee,” Carroll softball coach Tim Stuewe says. “At times, it's worked really well for us... That's been the concept, to keep changing it up, to see different pitchers, different deliveries and different pitches.”
A young team with only three seniors on the roster, the Lady Dragons did whatever it took to get a leg up. Although the younger players made an impact, the seniors set the tone. Morgan Cashon led in batting average (.432) and stolen bases (22), while Lillian Cooper (.362 average) led with three home runs. Freshman infielder Scarlett Kuhn (.392, 22 RBI) was another threat at the plate, as were freshman Jordan Stewart (.338, team-high 27 RBI) and junior Timmons (.377, tied for the lead in triples with four).
SEASON RECAP
The upside of a young, talented team is knowing the future is bright and that good athletes have a chance to get even better with extensive varsity experience. The downside is battling inconsistency while players endure the growing pains as they gain experience.
It was a roller coaster ride at times for Carroll softball, as the Lady Dragons (15-17-2 at the end of the regular season) broke even at some tough tournaments before entering district to start 2-1, fall to 2-3, then win three of their next four heading into the final three games.
“It's been up and down,” says Carroll coach Tim Stuewe. “But they've shown that they can regroup...We just have to have a short memory and get ready [for the next game].”
The Lady Dragons beat perennial power and district rival Keller 9-8 in their first district meeting but lost 8-3 the second time around after leading 3-1 going into the sixth. Losing its first contest against a tough Byron Nelson team, Carroll redeemed itself with a solid 8-1 win when the teams met again.
The top five teams in District 4-6A were engaged in a dogfight for playoff spots, with only four advancing. Qualifying for the playoffs, Carroll ultimately lost in Round 1 to Boswell.
Though their season ended earlier than they would have liked, the Lady Dragons will use this season's experiences as fuel for next year.
“It's never over,” he said. “You've got to keep on fighting.”