Lady Pirates focused on solid fall campaign

Coming on the heels of a spring 2024 season where Norwood earned a share of the Summit Conference softball title with an 11-2 overall record, the Lady Pirates now set their sights on the fall 2024 season with the hopes of ending the year deep into the postseason.
Last fall, the Lady Pirates were district runner-ups after compiling a 15-10 overall record.
“Our fall schedule is tough, so maintaining an above .500 record is always something we list in our goals,” said Norwood head coach Lori Drake. “We also always strive to win a district championship. Our tradition is strong here, and postseason runs are always a goal.”
With eight returning starters, the 2024 fall season could be another special one for the Lady Pirates.
Their seniors include Autumn Gunter (SS), Kinley Sinning (CF), Natalee Lawson (RF) and Katelynn Bennett (3B).
Gunter and Sinning both earned All-District honors a season ago while Bennett was an All-Conference selection.
Norwood will once again be solid up the middle as they are returning All-Region and All-Conference pitcher Maddie Campbell and catcher Jayden Chambers.
Along with Gunter and Bennett in the infield, junior Gentry Davault will be back from her All-District campaign.
Other infielders include junior Gracelynn Miller, sophomore Addie Smith and freshman Jaycee Hall.
Joining Sinning and Lawson in the outfield will be junior Lydia Harden and sophomore Mayci Calhoun.
“We have an experienced team, but will be blending in some new faces in fielding positions, pinch hitting and base running,” Coach Drake noted.
The Lady Pirates opened their season just after press time in the Halfway Softball Tournament.
They traveled to Hillcrest on Sep. 3 and went to Walnut Grove on Sep. 5.
Their first home game is on Sep. 9 against Wheatland at 4:30 p.m. They host rival Hartville on Sep. 12, also at 4:30 p.m.