Tornadoes softball hosts games; Seniors steal the show
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TAYLORVILLE — The five Taylorville seniors pose for a picture with their guardians on their special afternoon. The softball athletes from left to right: Ana Harden, Kaydee Prose, Abby Dye, Chloe Manuel and Kallie Havera w/ sister Livia Havera.
(Submitted Photo)
Lucas Domonosuky
Breeze-Courier Sports Editor
TAYLORVILLE — The Taylorville softball team held their 2023 Senior Night on Thursday, May 11. They recognized the five upperclassman Kallie Havera, Chloe Manuel, Kaydee Prose, Abby Dye and Ana Harden. The Tornadoes couldn’t contain Tri-City as a four-run first inning proved to be too much for Taylorville, 11-1 the final.
“These seniors have been incredible.” Head Coach Chris Durham stated. “I couldn’t ask for better players and a better group than that for seniors this year.”
Kallie Havera took the mound for the Purple and Gold. The senior tossed the entire 5 inning game allowing 11 runs (6 earned) on 14 hits, struck out three while only walking one.
“Kallie Havera,” Coach Durham says. “tough as can be. Does whatever you ask of her.”
Havera also had the one RBI for Taylorville.
Tri-City had too much fire power on both sides of the softball diamond including on the mound. Their pitcher tossed a gem going a full 5 innings allowing just one run on two hits and eight Ks.
Though this season hasn’t gone the way the Tornadoes had hoped Coach Durham says the senior leadership has been very noticeable.
“The younger players playing varsity ball, it’s a new experience for them.” Durham shares. “It’s a lot different level than what they’re used to. They’ve adjusted well. The senior leaders are on top of things. They’ll help them out whenever they need help. They talk to them and keep them motivated.”
Taylorville softball is sitting at a record of 4 wins and 22 losses towards the end of the 2023 Spring season. With a surge of talented young ladies making their way to the varsity level the Head Coach is preparing for success.
“I look forward to us in the future.” Says Durham. “This year hasn’t gone the way we’ve wanted it to, obviously, but our future is bright. We have some kids coming up from eighth grade to their freshman year next year that are going to help us out a ton. Mix that with the girls we have now who are going to be the seniors, juniors and sophomores next year. I look for us to make a turn around in the next couple years.”
The excitement flows heavy within all sports at THS, especially on the girls side.
The Tornadoes will stay home for a Friday afternoon contest against the Litchfield Purple Panthers.
LITCHFIELD
Despite a late game surge from their opponent in the final inning the Taylorville Tornadoes held on to defeat the Litchfield softball team on Friday, May 12. The final score of the non-conference matchup was 4-2 in favor of the home team.
Lily Harden tossed a magnificent outing going the distance (7 innings) allowing just two late runs on just 3 hits and striking out 7. She walked 9 but was feeling it on Friday afternoon. She had a ton of help from her defense who didn’t commit a single error.The Taylorville offense tallied 9 hits total with Jessi Wright and Ana Harden each having multi-hit nights. Wright went 3-3 at the plate to lead the team in hits. The runs crossed the plate in the form of Aubrey Kietzman, Kyleigh Heimsness and Wright.
The Tornadoes shift to 5-22 and will in Charleston for a double header on Saturday, May 13. The first pitch will be tossed out at 11:00 a.m.
