FAYETTEVILLE
The rebuilding process is underway at Fayetteville, where the Lady Bulldogs lost 15-0 in four innings Tuesday to Bentonville High.
"We ran into a buzz saw right at the beginning," Fayetteville coach Sue Carpenter said. "Bentonville is really good but we can't let losing define who we are. We know we're not as good as the other teams but this is a journey, a process. Right now, we're trying to control the controlables with our work ethic, attitude, and effort."
Fayetteville (0-2) will face another stern challenge today at Bentonville West, which defeated Van Buren 10-0 on Tuesday.
Carpenter was hired in July to take over at Fayetteville. She was a college coach for 16 years, including six years an assistant coach at the University of Arkansas. She hopes to develop interest in softball and attract more players at Fayetteville beyond the varsity level.
"That includes teaching the game at the junior high and youth league levels," said Carpenter, who was an NAIA All-American at shortstop in college. "We've got four seniors, including one who has never played before. We want kids to come out and be a part of something."
GREENWOOD
Kalia Cartwright is back and that means trouble for teams facing Greenwood this season.
Cartwright pitched a complete game Tuesday during a 4-2 victory at Farmington. It was the first appearance for Cartwright, who injured her ankle while playing in the state basketball tournament for Greenwood.
Cartwright was 17-5 with 160 strikeouts and a 1.05 ERA last year in the circle.
"She threw really well," Greenwood coach Ronnie Sockey said. "She talked me into letting her finish the game but she was still under 100 pitches. It was good to see her back out there."
Greenwood should have another strong team after falling 2-1 to Sheridan last year in the Class 6A state championship game at Fayetteville. Leading hitter Sidney Parker is gone after hitting .426 last year, but the Lady Bulldogs are off to a 3-0 start heading into today's game against Alma.
"We've got two sophomore catchers, Josie Chapple and Angela Price, who are doing a good job and our No. 9 hitter, McKynlee Young, had three RBIs in the win against Farmington," Sockey said. "Mariah Hamilton is back after she hit .410 last year and we've got some depth, too. So, we feel pretty good our team."
BENTONVILLE WEST
Depth also appears to be a strength this season for Bentonville West, even without two of its top players.
The Lady Wolverines opened 7A-West Conference play 10-0 victory Tuesday at Van Buren. Hallie Wacaser and Endya Moler each hit two-run home runs for Bentonville West (2-1, 1-0), which led 6-0 after two innings. Wacaser added a second home run to push the lead to 9-0.
The Lady Wolverines are playing without pitcher Alex McManus, who will likely miss the season after undergoing surgery on her foot. McManus is committed to Notre Dame. Emily Robinson, another junior, is also currently sidelined because of illness.
"We're a very balanced team," West coach Anthony Cantrell said. "We've got 12 or 13 girls who can contribute and give us something on any given night. We're coming off a good year last year when we won a game in the state tournament, and that gave us some confidence."
Bentonville West returns home today to face Fayetteville in 7A-West Conference action.
-- Rick Fires • @NWARick
Preps Basketball on 03/16/2018