Kennett softball team aims for state championship redemption

KENNETT, Mo. - As winter closes its doors and the weather begins to warm, Indian Park is brought back to life.

A stroll past the softball field presents a row displaying multiple years of Kennett’s excellence in the sport. The Missouri shape plaques hoisted on the softball fence show every year the Kennett High School softball team won a district title, a conference title or placed in the State tournament.

While the results of their success line the fence, the Kennett softball team displays how they achieved those accolades as they practice on the other side.

The Indians are coming back this season after earning a runner-up finish at the state tournament last year.

Although proud of this accomplishment, head coach Logan Dollins and his team are looking for a state championship redemption this season. However, for him, it all starts on the practice fields.

“I think coming in this season, I’m seeing a little more hunger out of our girls,” Dollins said. “The energy, the way we practice on a daily basis, the lengths of our practices and just the overall dedication has been better. We had a really good offseason, getting into the weight room, doing what they are supposed to do and getting stronger. In our first week of the season, we’ve come out and have done exactly what we are supposed to do. I honestly believe we are ahead of schedule right now.”

Last year, this Kennett squad won 11 straight games before they faced their first loss. Even still, they finished the season 25-9, won the Bootheel Conference Tournament and the Class 2 District 1 Championship.

They would then make a deep State run, only losing one game in the Championship game to a 38-1 Diamnond team.

Despite the heartbreak to close their season, the Indians are excited to return a majority of their players from last season.

Senior Emma Tinnin said she has more confidence in her team this year after their second-place showing last season.

“I do think we will be more prepared this year, knowing how the game goes and what we need to work on,” Tinnin said. “Last year, our ending really motivated us for this year. It carried over and making it that far last has motivated us even more to go back.”

After only losing two seniors from last season, the Indians return four seniors this year. This includes the pitcher and catcher duo of Tinnin and Handley McAtee as well as Lauren Barton and Emma Bodkin.

However, with only 11 girls on the roster, this is the smallest group Dollins has coached since he took over the program. According to him, the small roster has not deterred the team from their goals.

“Overall, we are in a spot right now where I feel like we are really good as far as depth,” Dollins said. “We are a well-balanced team right now. We have a mix of girls who can get on base, we have some speed and we are in a good place in the circle with Handley [McAtee] coming back and Emma Tinnin as her catcher. I’m hoping to see some good things from Avery Payne in the circle and Emma Bodkin as well.”

Overall, the team has a lot of confidence in making another state run this season and adding to the legacy of Kennett softball.

McAtee said she has noticed a more positive attitude at practices since the season started. As the team grows closer, she can see their squad being hard to beat this year.

“The better mindset you have going into the game and the more fun you have can make a difference in how you play,” McAtee said. “Obviously, we want to play well and win, but being able to play together is special to us. We want to take back that state title, but we also want to enjoy this last season together.”

Kennett will kick off their softball season at the Blazer Blast in Jonesboro, Ar. This tournament will be held on March 21 and March 22.

The Indians' first home game will be on Tuesday, March 25, against New Madrid County Central, with the first pitch starting at 4:30 p.m.