Freeman High Scotties Will Build On Experience And Strong Finish Last Season

The Freeman High School softball team didn’t lack talent last year. The Scotties just didn’t start showing it until crunch time.

“We lost 10 games, but came back at the end of the season and finished in a tie for third,” said coach Jackie Babin.

She doesn’t expect her team to unseat defending Northeast A League co-champions Newport and Riverside. But Babin does believe Freeman can finish as high as third again.

But she wants her squad to start on that route from game one this time.

“My main spiel to my kids is to play good defense and hit that ball,” Babin said.

For Freeman, depth isn’t the problem this season. It’s patching two large holes - the ones at either side of home plate.

“I have experience at every place except pitcher and catcher,” Babin said.

Returning seniors are talented hitter Heide Dahmen at second base and Sam Jensen at first.

Juniors returning are Beth Smith in left field and Cherie Lamphiear in right.

Babin’s young but talented sophomores are Angela McCathern - a shortstop with lots of speed who shows future pitching potential - and third baseman Jo Ramsey, who may move to center field.

Freeman’s young blood with a future include new pitchers Melinda Sublette, a junior, and Karyn Nelson, a sophomore.

Despite being green at the catcher and pitcher, Babin said her young players have what it takes to fill the cleats of players gone.

“I think they’ll be there again,” Babin said.