Pryor Softball
After a season that witnessed the Lady Tigers of Pryor winning their third (’87, ’16, ’24) state title, they entered the season with hopes of doing what several other teams have done in Class 5A and that is repeat as champions.
Head coach Chell Looney knows the path to a repeat is tough, but with the players he has returning and with another year under their belts, coach Looney likes their chances.
“We are looking forward to this season. We have everyone back that played last year. The coaches and girls are excited to get started. We had a pretty good season last year and the goal is to make this season just as good. We will still be fairly young. We have three seniors on the whole team. We will be sophomore and junior heavy. All of our starters are returning and are a year older, physically stronger, and more experienced,” said coach Looney.
Through the month of August and into September, the Lady Tigers have shown why they are one of the favorites for another state title. Offensively the team is producing runs, while the defense continues to keep opponents to low scores. This season the defense has held opponents to 42 runs [as of Sept. 16th] while scoring 216 runs.
Team chemistry is a big factor for coach Looney and the Lady Tigers.
“This group works hard and puts the team first, so it should be a fun season. Our senior returning starters are Kenzie Bennett and Akiya Tsosie are both three-year starters. Brooklynn Keenan is our other senior who ran bases for us last year,” Looney said. “All three are good leaders and had great seasons last year. We will need their leadership to stay focused on our ultimate goal throughout the season. Other returning starters are Payton Jackson, Coda Taylor who did an outstanding job in the circle last year, Mckenna Yancey who is our short stop, Zariah Diaz, Caylee Kerr, Tayla Vance, Rhymee Rutherford, and Nevaeh Chupp.”
Looming on the schedule are the Branson, Missouri tournament and the NSU Festival. The regular season wraps up with a road game at Bartlesville.
