KEYS COUGARS
Coach: NICK ZODROW
13-21
OUTLOOK:
Even with what most would define as a young roster that includes only two seniors and one junior, Keys head coach Nick Zodrow eagerly awaits the start of the fall campaign with a roster that includes experienced playmakers and some of the key pieces that were missing a year ago, primarily in the circle. “In fastpitch softball, you’ve got to have a strong arm that can throw strikes and challenge opposing hitters,” said the Lady Cougars skipper. “Maddie Hamby (P/INF, Sr.) gives us a difference maker this year with her ability to pound the strike zone.”
A newcomer to the starting lineup will be Paizlee Zodrow ((INF/Fr.), who plays softball year round at a championship level with the ability to change the game outcome defensively with her glove on the infield dirt as well as use her bat and base speed to put pressure on the opponent. Emalee Hodge (OF, Sr.) and Paige Foreman (OF, Jr.) return to anchor the outfield along with Kallie Dougherty (OF, So.), described as a “coach’s dream” while Payton Zodrow (INF, So.) and Emmalynn Warren (INF, So.) will create a defensively sound infield while Gabby Martinez (C/INF, So.) provides a wall behind the plate at catcher. “With the game time experience as well as the confidence and softball IQ of our returning players, the girls can play a variety of positions defensively as well as put the ball in play with the bat.” Coach Zodrow also put a “player to watch check mark” along side three other freshmen including Izabella Jones (OF, Fr.), Riley Rhoades (INF, Fr.) and Taylor Girdner (INF, Fr.) while Maya Charboneau (P, So.) could see action in relief inside the circle. The fall schedule will give the energetic Cougars an early test with a district opener against Kiefer on August 12-13.
