The Harmony Grove Lady softball team had one of their single seasons in recent history with an overall record of 16-10 (8-6 in 3A-8 conference play). While the Lady Hornets failed to make it past the first round of the regional tournament, the Lady Hornets finished above .500% and made it to regionals for the first time since the pandemic. This season has been successful as the program has newfound confidence to contend for regionals, but the younger players are also more experienced.
This season, there have been many contributors that have led the Lady Hornets to a great season. All of the seniors, most juniors and even some sophomores and freshmen have produced at a high level. Each player contributed to the season's success as a whole. Here are the Camden News' top rewards for the Harmony Grove Lady Hornets' softball season.
Best Overall – Kailee Riggs
Senior Kailee Riggs was arguably the most efficient batter and fielder this season for the Lady Hornets. In 70 at-bats, Riggs accounted for a team-high in hits (23), batting average (.329), on-base percentage (.420) and slugging percentage (.471). She also accounted for 15 single-base hits, six double-base hits, three runs, 13 RBIs, three runs, seven walks and only eight strikeouts. Her biggest batting performance came in the 10-6 season-opening win over the Magnolia Lady Panthers when she accounted for two hits, one double-base hit and three RBIs in three at-bats.
As a catcher, Riggs led the team in total chances accounting for an out at 202 and putouts at 192. She assisted with nine putouts while encountering one error throughout the entire season. Finally, she accounted for one double-play, which is extremely rare to accomplish as a catcher. There shouldn't be much of a debate that Riggs was one of the best overall players in the batting and fielding game.
Best Pitcher – Avery Furr
If there is a non-senior that developed into one of the top players in her position this season, it would be junior pitcher Avery Furr. In 96.2 innings pitched and 17 starts(21 games played) this season, Furr allowed 99 hits, 69 runs, 28 walks and a season ERA of 3.186 while delivering 134 strikeouts. She has five games this season where she has delivered 10 or more strikeouts. Arguably her best performance of the season was in the 3-1 home over Drew Central, where she allowed only one hit and one run while delivering 14 strikeouts.
Most Reliable – Eliza Taylor
One of the most productive on both sides of the field was junior outfielder Eliza Taylor. In 71 at-bats, Taylor accounted for 13 hits, six double-base hits, six RBIs, 17 runs (second on the team), 14 stolen bases, six walks and an on-base percentage of .322. In the fielding game, she accounted for 30 putouts. She was one of the more clutch hitters and fielders this season in big games.
Most Dynamic – Cami Everrett
Another player that was highly efficient on both sides of the field was senior first baseman/pitcher Cami Everett. As a batter, Everett accounted for 15 hits, three double-base hits, seven walks, 11 RBIs, 13 walks, only 15 strikeouts, a batting average of .231 and an on-base percentage of .367 in 65 at-bats. Everett was the second starting for the Lady Hornets where she got better throughout the season. In 48 innings pitched and seven starts (13 games played), Everett allowed 42 hits, 35 runs, 31 walks and a season ERA of 2.625 while delivering 51 strikeouts. In her main position as a first baseman, she was second on the team in putouts accounted (63) while delivering two double-plays.
Most Improved – Megan Wright
There are several players that could be considered the most improved player for Harmony Grove as the season started. One player who got better as the season progressed was junior infielder/designated hitter Megan Wright. Through the first eight games of the season, Wright only had two plate appearances. Her opportunity came in the month as she took advantage of her increased role. In 29 at-bats, Wright accounted for eight hits, two double-base hits, seven RBIs, 15 runs (third on the team), four walks, a batting average of .276 and an on-base percentage of .382.
Best Base Runner – Alivia Lindsey
Senior Alivia Lindsey had a defined role since the start of the 2023 high school softball. Lindsey's main contribution to the Lady Hornets is as an electrifying base-runner in place of power hitters like Riggs or senior third baseman Ta'Khia Williams. She finished the season with a team-high 19 runs and a team-high 14 stolen bases without being caught stealing. Her speed, high softball IQ and quick instincts made her one of the most explosive base runners in South Arkansas.
Photo By: Michael Hanich Harmony Grove pitcher Avery Furr prepares to throw a pitch in the game against Dumas.
Photo By: Michael Hanich Harmony Grove outfielder Eliza Taylor at bat in the game against Dumas.