DECATUR -- Hope runs high for the Decatur fast-pitch softball team as it works through its final few practices in preparation for the March 14 season opener against the Highlanders in Eureka Springs.
The Bulldogs opened their 2016 season with a win against the Highlanders at Edmiston Park Softball Field in Decatur April 4. This game was the only win for the Decatur softball program as they finished the 2016 season with a 1-6 overall record. That contest marked the end of a five-year losing streak for the Bulldogs.
For coaches Jeff Melton and Anna Wilkins, 2017 will be a rebuilding year for the Decatur program and will offer a challenge for Melton, now in his second year as softball coach.
"We are a really young team this year." Melton said. "I have only one senior returning this year. The majority of the team is made up of mostly sophomores and freshmen."
Senior Cameron Shaffer returns to the Bulldog program for her final season on the mound. More than just a pitcher, Shaffer is a true team leader, helping the younger players to improve their softball technique, which has proven to be a tremendous asset to both coaches.
"Shaffer has stepped up this season and worked harder on her pitching," said Melton. "So far, in practice, she has proven to be stronger and more in control as she delivers the ball over home plate."
Melton is trying to build a stronger pitching staff this season. He is working with freshman Paige Barrett who, like Shaffer, participated in the shot put for the Decatur track team. The strength that both Shaffer and Barrett developed as a result of this event translates into faster, harder and more controlled throws, leading to more strikeouts for Decatur. Melton hopes that Barrett's arm will be developed enough to employ her services by midseason.
Another player Melton plans to put on the mound this season is sophomore Desi Meek. Last year Meek played at third base, where she proved to be a another valuable asset to the program. She is one of Melton's most versatile players on and off the field.
"Desi is my little fireball. She does anything and everything we need her to do," said Melton. "We have experimented with her on the mound, third base, short stop or wherever we need her. She is very capable of stepping up in these areas and producing in order to win."
The outfield is still a work in progress for Melton. During practice he has shifted different players into the three positions in order to find the right combination that will best serve the team.
"The outfield is part of the puzzle that we are still working on," Melton said. "I know that we have some girls that have some experience in these positions, like Joni Moppin, who played for us a lot last season."
The Bulldog batting lineup will be led by Shaffer, relying on her strength to bring home the runs. But Melton uses Shaffer in a far different capacity, as a vital teaching tool for some of his returning sophomores, as well as his new crop of freshman players.
"One of the things that helped us tremendously in practice is the girls facing Cameron on the mound," Melton said. "I think it helps to have the batters face a pitcher like Cameron that can throw some major heat at them. If they can hit off of Cameron, than they are ready for any type of pitcher."
The Bulldogs will face new opponents like Omaha, Alpena, St. Paul and Jasper as they move into the 1A District 1 conference. But Melton feels confident that his team will stand and deliver this season.
"This will be a fun team to be around, a lot of energy, a lot of personality and very athletic," Melton said. "We have had the opportunity to play with some people and tweak some things to get people in positions that will make our team more successful."
For a complete schedule of Bulldog softball, go to decatursd.com.
Sports on 03/15/2017