ROGERS — Rogers Heritage may have a new softball coach, but the Lady War Eagles return all but one starter, who advanced to the quarterfinals of the Class 7A state tournament a year ago.
Lady War Eagles coach Tiffany Taylor served an assistant coach at Pea Ridge two years ago and has an extensive background as an assistant coach in college, but she wanted to get back into coaching after being away from it for a couple of years.
Taylor said she’s excited to be back in coaching and about the Lady War Eagles’ potential with so many returners and several newcomers who could also contribute.
“This is a good group of girls who are excited to be out here and work hard, and you can’t ask for more than that,” Taylor said.
Senior Kendra Linn, who returns at second base, said the team has come together and is ready for the first game.
“We got some new people and some changed positions, but we’re dealing with it and adapting to it,” Linn said.
Heritage has an athletic group of players with quite a bit of depth after finishing last season with 10 or 11 players. The War Eagles have 29 on the varsity and junior varsity roster combined this season.
“I think hitting can be one of bigger strengths, too,” Taylor said. “Several of these kids can hit, and some of them have some pop.”
Taylor said Abby Newton, Dasha Donahoe, Taylor Easley and Hannah Briggs are solid hitters. Meanwhile, Donahoe threw all but a handful of innings in the circle as a freshman and will likely be the ace this season.
The sophomore has worked hard in the off season and has shown improvement even since the fall, Taylor said.
Easley and Hope Resor will also see time in the circle. Easley, who played shortstop most of last season, will move over to third base.
Briggs, a freshman, will player shortstop, while Linn returns at second base.
Resor and Ana Garcia are working at first base, while Donahoe could also play there some when she’s not pitching.
Newton, Alee Martin and Sabrina Garcia are working behind the plate.
Junior Nikki Van Wilpe, who didn’t play a year ago, could also see time in the infield.
Sydney Lehr, Kenzi Ziem and Kaitlyn Tumey return in the outfield. However, senior Courtney Heiligenthal and freshman Lindsay Glynn are also pushing for playing time.