SD SOFTBALL PREVIEW: Kelly looking for another winning season behind returners

2020 Kelly Lady Hawks

BENTON, Mo. — Kelly is looking for its 26th-consecutive winning softball season in 2020 — according to the Missouri High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) website — which would move the Lady Hawks into sole possession of first place for the longest streak of winning campaigns in the state.

Currently tied for first with Jefferson (Conception Jct.), Putnam County, and Mid-Buchanan, the Lady Hawks have enjoyed ending the year with a winning record since the streak started in 1995.

Winning comes naturally with the Kelly program, and this year is no different.

With a loaded group returning to the field this season, fifth-year head coach Melanie Heuring has a team she believes can accomplish that feat.

“That’s always our goal every year,” Heuring said. “Get to districts, win districts, and get to state, but that is a goal now since we’re on this winning streak. To get to that level and break that MSHSAA record. We don’t focus on wins, we focus on getting better, and of course, our ultimate goal is to always get to state.”

Even with losing pitcher and infielder Kelly Ivy off of last year’s team, which reached the Class 2, District 2 Tournament championship game before falling to St. Piux X (Festus) 2-1, this year’s collection of Lady Hawks has big dreams ahead of them.

Of the starters returning, three seniors look to end their careers on a strong note.

Kate Hughes, Alaney Moore, and Kim Seabeaugh all have tasted success and felt defeat during their time wearing Maroon and Gold, and after last season’s loss, Heuring hopes that gives them the motivation they need.

“I hope that motivation does take them all the way because nobody likes to lose, and that was a heartbreaker to lose,” Heuring said. “Especially with us hosting the district, so I’m hoping they use that as motivation to win a district championship this year, and that be their main goal.”

Every team tends to deal with injuries, and for Kelly, they will be without a key piece to start the year.

Moore will not start the season for the Lady Hawks, as she nurses a thumb injury that occurred over the summer, leaving a void at shortstop.

Additionally, a pair of pitchers (juniors Kendyl Stuckey and Elly Pattengill) also struggled with arm issues during the summer, leaving Heuring with opportunities for younger individuals to step into that role.

“We do have three freshmen coming in that may see some pitching time for varsity,” Heuring said. “So, we might have a few new faces on the infield and move some people around. But, for the most part, we’ll have most of our team back.”

Luckily, Heuring did take advantage of the summer with her younger group, as she played in a Wednesday night league at the Shawnee Park Center.

“With these younger girls, when they come in, we have a lot of plays and things we go over and do,” Heuring said. “When you go to that next level, in varsity, and that high school level, it’s just different than how they’re used to playing, so we’re just trying to make them aware of our tradition at Kelly and how we play and focus and play hard; just trying to make sure that we bring them up to our level.”

NOTES

Since taking over for long-time head coach Rhonda Ratledge in 2016 as head coach, Heuring has a record of 73-35 — a 68 percent winning mark — two district championships, and a fourth-place finish in the state tournament. Heuring’s teams have averaged 7.4 runs per game and allowed nearly four (3.9) over that time.

The last time Kelly did not win a district championship (2016), they turned around and finished fourth in the state (2017) with a 23-8 record.

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