The Corning Lady Bobcats finished last season 13-10, making it to the regional tournament before their season ended. This season, Corning moves into the 2A-3 conference, and Coach Shannon Fish believes his team could surprise some people.“ This team has the potential and may surprise a lot of teams including themselves,” Coach Fish said.“ There are pockets of talent & we need to bring all that together. One of my key focuses with this team is getting them to believe in themselves and each other, establishing and trying to instill in them a high level of confidence that they are needing in order for them to be successful.” Returning to help the Lady Bobcats is junior Kinley Baker. Baker has a good glove and feel for the outfield with good speed that also makes her a threat on the bases. She is learning to pitch and could see some innings in the circle this season. Sophomore Gracie Townsend is an athletic player that is smart and will play shortstop. Townsend makes good contact at the plate and has good speed. She also could help throw some innings this season. Classmate Yadira Castro is a smart, disciplined outfielder who has been working on her skills at the plate. Several new additions and returning faces should provide a boost to the Corning lineup. Senior Lyla Arnold is a third baseman and pitcher that has a good glove and good power at the plate. Sophomores Mileah Edwards and Zailey Hall should step into bigger roles this season. Edwards is a first baseman that has added some strength in the offseason. She has a good glove and good power at the plate. Hall is a utility player that could play anywhere, including some time in the circle. Freshmen Lindsay Robinson and Rylee Remus could make a big impact for the Lady Bobcats. Robinson is a utility player with good speed and a good glove that could pitch some, while Remus is a strong player with a good arm and some pop at the plate. Several players on the roster could throw some innings for Corning.“ We are going to try to make use of four or five different pitchers that we are building at the moment to help us fulfill this role,” Coach Fish explained.“ We ' ve got a veteran or two that haven ' t had the opportunity in the past to show what they have, and then there are a few young ones we are counting on to step into the role.” A new conference presents new challenges for the Corning Lady Bobcats but don ' t be surprised if you see them competing in the 2A-3 for a chance to go back to the regional tournament.
After a 7-10 season last year, the Corning Bobcats are making the move into the 2A-3 baseball conference. Coach Kyle George is hoping his young guys can gain experience early in the season to be ready by tournament time.“ The key for us is to gain experience fast,” Coach George said.“ We will be young with only four returners, and that means we have five guys that will have to find a role on this team. We will be young but have a lot of young talent. I know we will have ups and downs, but I look forward to seeing how this team comes together at the end of the season.” Two seniors will provide leadership for the young Bobcats. Reid McMasters plays centerfield and will be at the top of the rotation. At the plate, McMasters hit. 567 with 25 hits last year, while on the mound, the lefty pitched the most innings and led the team in wins. Classmate Seth Smith plays first base where he hit. 367 with 18 hits and 20 runs scored. On the mound, Smith will be called upon to throw more innings this year. A couple of sophomores round out the returners. Ty Price could play either corner infield position and pitch when needed. Brady Russom will be in right field and also add some depth to the Corning bullpen. There are six freshmen looking to step in and fill some roles after an undefeated junior high run. Coach George is looking for this class to play an important role.“ There ' s five spots open for new players to step in and play,” he said.“ I will have a new catcher, at least three infielders, and one outfield spot that will have to be filled by a returning player or one of these 9th graders.” The Corning Bobcats will be young but talented and will have to throw some young guys into the fire quickly. Look for Corning to battle in the middle of the 2A-3 conference for a chance to earn a regional spot.
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