By Chris Cox

High school rosters are in a constant state of flux. But, in certain years, the turnover hits a little harder. That is what Sperry head coach Cole Fancher experienced this offseason with the graduation of four seniors.

“The four seniors were a major part of our program,” Fancher says. “They were our first-, second, third-basemen, and shortstop. So, losing them hurt us a bit.”

Fancher knows he has a young team, but he is optimistic about what those young girls can do.

“The girls stepping into those roles are ready to go,” he says. “This is probably one of the most athletic teams I’ve coached. Talent-wise I feel like this team can be better [than last year’s team].”

Leading the way for the Lady Pirates is sophomore Brynlie Delk. Delk, who will hit leadoff this year, is a four-sport athlete at Sperry High School. As a freshman she led the Lady Pirates in batting average and steals, with 51. Delk will be making a position switch this year moving from centerfield to shortstop. 

Another girl expected to build off a phenomenal freshman year is pitcher Kylee Reed. She pitched in every game last year for Sperry and recorded 89 strikeouts to 35 walks. Fancher says Reed needs to cut down on the walks this year but believes the sophomore is already a top-tier pitcher that help Sperry win a lot of games. 

Other girls expected to step up for the Lady Pirates are junior pitcher Brooke Angielski, sophomore catcher Kelsey Meyers, and freshman second baseman Mattie Large. 

With such a young squad Fancher says he doesn’t like to talk to his players about wins and losses, just improving every day.

“The only winning I talk about, is winning each pitch,” Fancher says. “If they’re going out there and their attitude is in check, they’re focused, and they’re giving 100 percent effort, that’s all I can ask for.”

The Sperry Pirates are set get their season underway August 9th against Claremore Sequoyah.