KAHOKA, MO- In a season that had some bright spots, the Clark County Lady Indians softball program is shining.
Clark County who finished the season 9-12 had plenty to celebrate when the Class 2 District 5 All-District honors came out. Cabell Palmer was an All-District first team catcher. Cadence Morss was an All-District honorable mention selection as a utility player, while Emma Pitford was the All-District honorable mention pitcher.
Palmer a sophomore in 20 games this season made an impact offensively. She batted .458, with a .536 on base percentage, .814 slugging percentage, and an OPS of .1350. Palmer collected 27 hits, seven doubles, four triples, two home runs, 20 RBIs, 21 runs scored, 10 walks, and four stolen bases in five attempts. Defensively, Palmer had 88 putouts, and five errors for a fielding percentage of .951.
Morss a sophomore who played in 20 games, had a .415 batting average, .449 on base percentage, .615 slugging percentage, a .1065 OPS, 27 hits, eight doubles, one triple, one home run, 26 RBIs, 12 runs scored, three walks, and two stolen bases in three attempts. Defensively, Morss had 34 putouts, three errors and a fielding percentage of .930.
Pitford a senior was one of the Lady Indians starting pitchers this season. In 17 games and 11 starts in the circle this year, Pitford pitched 73 innings compiling a 6-5 record a 3.93 ERA, 1.74 WHIP, 89 hits, 79 runs, 41 earned, 38 walks, and 54 strikeouts. She also played in 19 games batting .250, with a .371 on base percentage, .288 slugging percentage, .659 OPS, 13 hits, two doubles, 10 RBIs, eight runs scored, nine walks, and one stolen base.
Clark County head coach Megan Claiborne knows how important all three girls were to this year’s team.
“These girls did a fantastic job this year leading the team in their own ways,” Claiborne said. “All three of them were part of the main battery for the team. Emma and Cadence took turns on the mound and Cabell behind the plate. They each played an integral part in our successes this year. They didn’t back down from any challenges that came up. Emma and Cadence were a great duo on the mound and complemented each other well. If one wasn’t having a great day on the mound, the other was ready to come in and help her out. Cabell did a great job being a vocal leader behind the plate and is one of her teammates biggest cheerleaders.
Claiborne hopes that having Morss and Palmer return next season provides some momentum.
“We were a young team this year with only two seniors,” she said. “Having two honoree’s return will be a great way to start off next year’s play. Several young kids didn’t necessarily have a standout year this year, but have tons of softball ability to show off next year and in year’s to come. I’m looking forward to seeing our young group from this year be even more successful next year with so many returning.”