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Lady Crusaders working on manufacturing runs

Mackenzie Hamacher figures to get a lot of time in the circle this season for the Helias Crusaders. (Julie Smith/News Tribune photo)

By Tony Hawley

Published: Monday, August 24, 2009 1:49 PM CDT

The softball season is so short that if you get in an offensive slump, the schedule could be finished before you can get it corrected.

So maybe it's a good thing the Helias Lady Crusaders decided to get stuck in a slump during the preseason.

"I'm a little concerned about our hitting sometimes," said Helias coach Dan Campbell, whose team starts the season at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Duensing Field against Jefferson City. "We were hitting the ball well, but the past couple days, we haven't been.

"We faced our own pitching staff recently and they kind of shut us down, so you're always concerned about that. Runs come at a premium when you're facing good pitchers, especially at the Class 4 level, so we're going to be working on manufacturing runs."

That's not to say the Lady Crusaders don't have the ability to strike quickly on offense.

"We have some girls who can hit the ball with some power, that is one thing that has stood out," Campbell said. "Several girls can hit the ball deep, so I'm hoping that continues, because that's always nice."

Campbell said he likes the top of Helias' batting order.

"Jill Rackers will lead off, we're hoping to get her on a lot with her speed," he said. "Then with Shelby (LeCuru) being a good bunter and a hit-and-run person, we can do some things. Then hopefully Lindsey (LeCuru) or Arielle Chambers drive her in."

On defense, Rackers will be playing her third position in three seasons. The senior, who will play next season for Division I program Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, moves to catcher after playing center field as a sophomore and third base as a junior.

"We evaluated that position and we felt that Jill was the best suited for it," Campbell said. "She's really taken to it. ... She started early this summer playing some games in the high-school league and she's really gotten a lot better at it."

Shelby LeCuru, a sophomore, will play third base, while her sister Lindsey, a senior who will play for William Woods University next season, will play shortstop. Junior Carleigh Cavender will play second base and senior Danielle Tobar will play first.

The outfield will feature freshman Jordan Rackers in left, junior Haley Bartow in center and Chambers, a junior, in right.

"(Arielle) has got a quick release to first, so hopefully she'll throw some people out on hard hits to right," Campbell said.

Junior Nicole Buschjost will serve as designated hitter, while sophomore Amber Braun will serve as a courtesy runner and pinch runner.

Other players who could see time include junior Leanna Inglish and freshman Paxton Welch and Jordan Rackers.

Taylor Pritchett, a sophomore transfer from Iberia, could see time for the Lady Crusaders at pitcher or at an infield spot if she is cleared to play by the Missouri State High School Activities Association. Originally ruled ineligible for this season, she has an appeal scheduled for the middle of next month.

She could join a large group of pitchers that includes senior McKenzie Hamacher, Buschjost, Welch and Jordan Rackers.

"We've got a lot of depth," Campbell said. "We don't have a real powerhouse person who's going to blow you away, but we've got five people we could put out there on any given day and get a good outing out of them."

III

The season marks a return to the dugout for Campbell, who missed last season after his Missouri National Guard unit was called to serve in Kosovo.

"It's nice being back," Campbell said. "I missed my family, missed the school and the kids, and the whole environment."

He added the team was in good hands last year with Bryndyn Crutcher, who returns to his role as assistant coach after serving as head coach last season. Crutcher's wife served as assistant coach for that campaign.

"Both he and his wife did a tremendous job, we were very lucky to have them," Campbell said. "... I'm glad he's around again this year. He's a quality coach and a quality person."

Now it's just a matter of Campbell getting comfortable in the dugout again.

"It's nice to get back into the school year and the routine of school and practice and games," he said. "It took awhile the first couple days to get back in the swing of things."


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