AMBOY – Young and talented was the headline for the Amboy softball team’s preview story a year ago.

The same can be said about the 2024 Lady Clippers as the roster reads two seniors, four juniors, 10 sophomores, and three freshmen.

“We have two seniors coming back in Addison Shaw and Madison O’Malley and we only lost one senior, Jersey Thomas, from last year,” said softball coach Kelly Whitman. “We have our core group coming back. Our pitchers have been working hard in the offseason. We’ve had a couple of girls playing almost all-year long. 

“We’re hoping to improve. We lost six or seven games last year by one run. If you take a couple of those, you’re record looks a whole lot better. We’re hoping to push a few more runs across home plate this year.”

Eight of those players on roster are returning varsity members including sophomore pitchers Ellie McLaughlin and Alyvia Whelchel.

McLaughlin has started this season off in the right direction as she was the winning pitcher in a 16-4 victory over Mendota in the first game of the season on Monday, March 11. She gave up four runs and four hits, while striking out five and walking three.

At the moment, the two pitchers are the only ones locked in to their position for the majority of the season. Junior Tyrah Vaessen played shortstop last season and could be asked to stay at the No. 6 location; however, her versatility could move her around the field as well.

“It’s just a matter of plugging them in. We’re trying to figure out what is the best look,” Whitman said. “We’ve moved around a few players here and there just to see where everyone fits just right and what lineup will be the strongest. Where they’re at on the field might not be their first choice, but hopefully they understand it’s about what’s best for the team.”

Whitman is excited about two LaMoille imports in sophomore Taylor Wamhoff and assistant coach Scott Hitzler, who previously coached at Bureau Valley.

With a new player, more assistance, and nicer weather, Whitman believes win can pile up or at least record a higher mark than six, which is the number of games the Lady Clippers have won in each of its last two seasons.

“Being able to be outside has been wonderful. For our outfielders to see an actual live fly ball instead of in the gym is nice,” Whitman said. “We’ve been trying to do more live hitting this year to get our bats where they need to be.

“Fielding, we’re going to keep plugging away on defense. Hopefully, we’ll be able to make a few more of those plates that we didn’t make last year.”