Katie Ramage got a late start with Winona Christian softball last year. But after a full year with the team, Ramage is hoping to lead the Lady Stars back to the state tournament in her second year with the team after going 20-13-1 last season. So far, Ramage is happy with what she has seen. “It’s going very, very well,” Ramage said. “We kind of picked up where we left off last season. We are looking to come out strong. We didn’t lose anybody from last season and gained a few and they are looking to help us win some games.” Ramage returns all nine starters from last year’s squad and said their work ethic has been the strength of the team so far. “Their work ethic is very, very good,” Ramage said. “I think me and my assistant coach, Katie Mitchell, have really installed that in them. They have had very good communication skills and have taken it upon themselves to do the extra work. They all put in extra work. Our pitchers have put in extra work, hitting, defensively, everything. They have all put in the extra work. Their work ethic is one big thing they have going for them.” Also coming back for the Lady Stars is Sara Beth Rawles, who pitched the majority of innings for the team last year. She will be backed up by Allie Leach and Brantley Stanford. “We have our ace coming back last year in Sara Beth Rawles and that’s big,” Ramage said. “She took a big load on for us last year and she is going to take on another big load this year. We also have some younger pitchers like Brantley Stanford who will take on some of the load this year. We also have Allie Leach who will pitch some innings and take some of that load. They will helping Sara out so she doesn’t have to pitch so many games. She pitched a lot of games last year and it really wore her down last year. So those two are going to step up and take on some of that load.” Behind the plate will be Kaylah Varnes while Bella Roberts could also see some time behind the plate. Ramage said Roberts is back with the team after a few years away and will have to find a place to play somewhere. On the infield, Terri Cain will be at third while Linnie Wood will be at short. Wood, who has been battling some injuries, will be backed up by Allie Leach if she can’t play. Leach will also play second while Kate Ware will back her up there and also see playing time. At first will be Allie Rawles, who was also a state champion in tennis along with Bella Roberts. In the outfield, Hanna Grace Robertson, Brantley Stanford and Joeley Beckwith are competing in right field. Miranda McDaniel is holding down center field while Hillary Beckwith will be in left field. “I truly believe that they can make a run this year,” Ramage said. “More importantly, they think they can make a run this year. Last year, we came in and it was tough early on, coaching with only one person. I think we are all on the same page now and everybody is in sync. I think this group can make a run at the state tournament.” Winona Christian will compete in district play with Central Holmes, Indianola, Greenville St. Joseph and Carroll. “We have won district the last two years and I think we have a good chance to win it again this year,” Ramage said. “Carroll will be out biggest competition, I think. They have a lot of kids back and will put up a battle as well. It’s always a good game with Carroll, being rivals.”
