The Perryville softball team took its first steps to its ultimate goal of getting back to the state tournament on Tuesday.
However, before they get to the end of the season, they had to first compete in a jamboree.
The Pirates hosted a four-team jamboree with Fredericktown, Hillsboro, and DeSoto.
For second-year coach Lilly Chapman it was all about seeing what her players could do in game-like situations.
“I wanted to see the girls who I’m thinking about playing at the varsity level and see what they can do.” Chapman said. “For the junior varsity players, it’s about gauging their level and seeing where they are to start the season.”
If the first inning against Fredericktown was any indication, the returning players are ready to go.
The Pirates batted around and scored the maximum five runs in that first inning, as players such as Bre White and Carlie Holdman drove in runs.
“I wanted to keep that going from last year,” Chapman said. “Our offense was a key for us in getting to state and it was a good sign to see us put some runs on the board.”
Chapman was able to see how her Pirates stacked up against Hillsboro and DeSoto. The two teams are part of the Jefferson County Athletic Association with Perryville. Hillsboro has been a mainstay at the top of the conference the past few years.
The Pirates tied 1-1 in the small three-inning sample size.
“Our whole varsity played against Hillsboro and I believe their varsity played as well,” she said. “I think that’s a good indicator that we will be neck and neck this season and I’m excited for that game.”
A big factor in how far the Pirates can go will be senior pitcher Alyson Stortz. She was in mid-season form in the jamboree allowing just one baserunner in two innings of work against Fredericktown and holding Hillsboro to one run.
Stortz was an All-State honoree last season and Chapman is thrilled to have her back in the circle for her final year as a Pirate.
“She really hasn’t thrown a game in three weeks,” she said. “Today was about getting her stamina back and I saw a lot of good things from her.”
Chapam was also looking to fill two key roles left at shortstop and centerfield by graduating seniors. She has done some reshuffling of the defense in practice.
Holdman was moved from second base to shortstop and Rhylee Wengert was moved to second base after spending much of last season in a pinch runner role.
McKayla Pecaut was moved to centerfield and Jenna Brewer is in left field. Chapman is deciding between a trio of players for the right field position.
“I think the puzzle pieces are starting to come together.” Chapman said.
Those puzzle pieces will have to if the Pirates wish to go deep into the postseason this year, but Chapman is taking it one game at a time.
“You can’t eat an elephant all at once,” she said. “You have to take it one bite at a time. We have to take this one game at a time.”
