SIKESTON — Last season was a tough pill to swallow for the Sikeston softball team. But with a new coach at the helm and a steadfast group full of hungry players, the Lady Bulldogs are focused on turning things around.

“Our youth and energy are the biggest strengths for this season,” said first-year coach Wyatt Pratt, who also served as the school’s baseball coach. “We’ve got a lot of new faces who are learning on the fly and getting a lot better in a short time.”

The team will lean heavily on the leadership and production of senior duo Chloe Hamby and Dakota Thompson this season.

Hamby, a seasoned pitcher with over 200 innings under her belt and 154 strikeouts, has been a cornerstone of the program since her freshman year and her ability to strike out batters consistently has been a major asset for the team.

Thompson, a versatile player who hit .304 and scored a team-leading 16 runs last season, will be counted on to provide both offensive and defensive contributions.

“Those seniors are going to be the key players,” Pratt said. “With such a young crew we’re going to need some leadership. Hamby will anchor our pitching rotation while Thompson will see some action all over the field.”

Another key returner is junior catcher Cambree Scott.

Scott had a breakout season last year, leading the team in batting average (.354) and hits (17). Her power also made a significant impact, as she recorded six doubles and two triples. Scott’s contributions behind the plate have also been invaluable to the team.

“Scott will be our veteran backstop coming off a successful sophomore campaign and hopefully provide some offense,” Pratt said.

Additionally, the team will rely on the contributions of senior Libby Robbins, junior Marlee Crook, and sophomore Alexa Lee, the only other returns with varsity experience.

All three will be expected to play key roles this season. Robbins finished the year with five hits, five RBIs, and two runs scored. Crook batted .200 with five hits, while Lee had a .231 average with six hits, four RBIs, and three runs scored.

“So far the girls are working hard and getting better so I’m looking forward to getting started this weekend,” Pratt concluded.

Sikeston will begin its season at the Jackson Invitational on Friday, August 30.