Another year, another year younger. At least that’s the case for the 2018 Memorial Lady Bulldogs softball team. 

A split removed from a roster that sometimes struggled with experience and a team that paid heavy dues in close losses to their Edmond rivals: Memorial plans to start four upcoming freshman. 

Jillian Dickson, Mandi Lenon, Avery Flaming, and Mia Holliman have all earned tentative starting spots on the team, according to head coach Janet Chartney, but the quartet brings assets that are normally seen in seasoned athletes. 

“They bring solid fundamentals,” Chartney explained. “And (they) should give us great energy.”

Fundamentalists, especially energetic ones, could be what Memorial needed the most last year when a few leads slipped away deep into pairings with some of their Edmond sisters. The current, hopeful plan is that Memorial’s new guard can be that battery to recharge and reinvigorate the team in those late-inning, late-season scenarios. 

Despite the outcomes, last season’s team showed glimmers, and they’ll look to teach their four freshman, hopefully taking the conference by storm.

The teaching and example primarily falls on lone senior Crislyn Cole. By age, and classification, the first baseman is thrust to the forefront of leading the team. Cole is well-experienced, though, and will lean on a couple of names to help her navigate the COAC. 

Firstly, Cole will call on Emerson Heron. According to Chartney, Heron has a great softball IQ and is willing to put the team first. Last season Heron settled behind the plate after Memorial was found without a catcher in their entire organization. A natural outfielder, Heron will again play utility for the Bulldogs, playing anywhere and everywhere needed as outlined by her head coach. 

Joining the duo is Edmond’s 2017 Newcomer of the Year in Beth McAnaly. Both her and Heron are sophomores, and McAnaly will look to shoulder the offensive load after batting .374 in her freshman season. 

Finally, the last pivotal leader for Cole’s new-age team has a similar ring, because it’s her little sister. Chartney expects Caylor Cole to also play a big role, slotted in the middle infield this fall.

Though young, Chartney said they weren’t shying away from anyone. 

“Everyone is circled on our calendar,” she stated. “We also would like to perform well in the COAC conference.”

Memorial’s first regular-season circle comes on Tuesday, August 7 against Choctaw, a day before the Edmond JV festival.
