Softball: Replacing Massey key at Flower Mound

When asked, new Flower Mound head softball coach Mark Larriba singled out coaching as the Lady Jaguars biggest weakness.

There isn’t a lack of experienced coaching in the program. Larriba and the rest of the staff is adjusting to not having former head coach Wendy Massey around. Massey started the program and, along with Larriba served as co-head coach last season.

The pair had a good thing going as Flower Mound advanced to the Region I semifinals before losing to Weatherford. The Lady Jaguars posted an overall record of 26-11 and won the District 6-5A title with a mark of 13-1.

“Our young coaches are good,” Larriba said. “But how do you replace coach Massey?. Basically, we had two head coaches last year, and now you have one. Coach Massey and I worked so closely together. It was like a college atmosphere. While I was working with one group, she was working with another.”

Don’t feel too sorry for the Lady Jaguars return six players who started last season.

Heading the group is senior Taylor Hoagland. The Texas signee moves from third base to shortstop. Larriba said Hoagland moved for several reasons, including her experience and her glove work.

“I thought we’d give her a challenge in her senior year,” Larriba said.

Jordan Jennings moves from the outfield to third baseman. Also back are big hitters, Kayleigh Walts and Bethany Hardzinski.

Larriba tabbed Walts, a three-year starter, as the best catcher at Flower Mound he has ever seen. Walts has added switch hitter to her resume. Larriba called Hardzinski a clutch hitter.

Returning in center field is Natalie Huse. Pitcher Ashley Rother gives Flower Mound a solid middle of the infield.

“We don’t have the pitching depth like last year,” Larriba said. “But we still have quality pitching.”

Joining Rother at pitcher will be Christina Kim and Taylor Mosher. Larriba said Rother will see a majority of the pitching time this season. Rother served mainly as the squad’s closer, last season.

The rest of the starting lineup will include Stacia Boeckstiegel or Hannah Pattillo at first base, Kim Ingram in left field and either Kelleigh Downs, Rachel Archer or Catie Bossard in right field.

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