Tahlequah fastpitch softball has definitely raised the expectation bar for success this season as the Lady Tigers return a talent rich lineup card from last year’s squad that reached the Class 5A state tournament for the eighth consecutive season.
Head coach Chris Ray was quick to point out the strength of this year’s team will come from the number of game changers available day-to-day.
“Pitching and defense should be a strength for the Lady Tigers with four quality arms available to dominate from the circle on a daily basis,” said Ray with confidence hinting the talent is there for a ninth consecutive state tournament appearance.
Riley Dotson enters her senior season with a probable move to the outfield after spending the past two years throwing pitches as well as swinging the bat with productive results.
“Riley patrols the outfield with exceptional athleticism,” said Ray, who enters his eighth year at Tahlequah. “She’s occupied the leadoff or 2-hole in our batting order where her work ethic and competitive performance level make Riley a pleasure to coach.”
The “transfer portal” has solidified the pitching strength as Zoie Griffin joins the Lady Tigers roster after playing the last two years at Wagoner.
“She’s an elite pitcher that compiled an 18-9 record as a freshmen with a 0.933 ERA and 321 strikeouts followed by a 27-6 mark with 362 strikeouts to finish with a 0.763 ERA last year,” confirmed the Tigers boss. “She’s a quality hitter that keeps her in the lineup when she’s not in the circle.”
Infield depth is also solidified with the return of Alayna Stopp for her senior season after missing the 2024 season recovering from an ACL injury. Stopp was key component of the Lady Tigers 2022 and 2023 state tournament teams.
Addie Davis returns behind the plate at catcher bringing a calming influence to the pitching staff thanks to her defensive blocking skills. A 2025 sophomore Davis posted a .314 batting average with 25 RBI as a freshman.
Holli Carnes is expected to move back to the outfield during the fall campaign. A junior, Carnes’ arm strength thwarts opponents’ willingness to seek extra bases on balls hit to the outfield.
Raylee McCarter enters her sophomore season and will bring strength to the team as a utility player that plays a corner infield position or the outfield depending upon who is in the circle.
“Raylee and Holli transitioned from the outfield last season and quickly became competent infielders. Without their willingness to make that transition, we likely don’t qualify for the state tournament in 2024,” said Ray.
Sophomore Abby Reneau, who spent last season at Locust Grove, is another solid infielder with pop at the plate that can be expected to push for playing time.
Alix Kimble is an incoming freshman whose competitive pitching skills will be a big-time bonus while middle infielder Lily Garcia, also a freshman, is a gifted athlete with exceptional quickness, speed and power that will cause havoc for opponents. A foursome of freshmen including sisters Jordan and Rylee Stark, as well as Zoey Farris and Gracee Byrd can expect to make contributions this fall for the Lady Tigers.
“Top to bottom, this year’s roster is filled with players who compete with grit and determination on and off the field,” said Ray. “With a little luck, we’ve got a real chance for making a state tournament trip for a ninth straight year.”
