BUFFALO VALLEY BUFFALOES

softball

Coach: MATT HENRY

OUTLOOK

The spirit of the Buffaloes is simple, there is no I in team and the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. “These girls are very unselfish and don’t worry about themselves but focus every bit of their energy on what is best for the team,” said coach Matt Henry whose team advanced to the Class B fastpitch state tournament in 2021. “I could not be more proud of the team bond they have and their work ethic.” Buffalo Valley returns eight starters to the roster this fall along with some additional players to complete the puzzle for success. Whether she’s in the circle or playing shortstop Courtney Grey (Sr.) is the hub of the defensive approach of the Buffaloes. In last year’s road to state, Grey posted an impressive 1.029 ERA while recording 148 strikeouts in just 81 innings of work.“ Courtney is a very intelligent player who has everything you want in a player,” notes Henry about his VYPE Top 100 nominee. “Not only is she strong in the circle she also hit for a .509 average producing 73 RBI.” Adding to the pitching dominance will be a trio of juniors including Kelsey Cauthron (Jr.) who chalked 88 strikeouts on her way to a 1.542 ERA last year, Addi Wright and Cady Myers.

The Buffaloes are strong behind the plate where Kaylan Griggs (Jr.) who scored 25 runs and plated 32 RBI will share innings wearing the catcher’s gear with Hannah Dockery (Sr.) who posted a .372 batting average while stealing 14 bases. The middle defense on the dirt is solid as second baseman Emma Roberts (Jr.) who also posted a .392 batting average joins forces with Wright, who posted a .381 average in 2021. On the corners, Myers will be at first base adding firepower at the plate including her .452 average and 34 RBI while a very talented freshman Raylea Johnson will command play at third base along with Cauthron. Henry noted that Gracie Kennedy (So.) will also see time at first base. The outfield creates an umbrella like defense with speed to balls in the gap thanks to the play of Makayla Hayes (Jr.), Maggie Johnico (Sr.), Luci Williamson (Sr.), Dockery, Cauthron, Abbi Wilson (Sr.), Rebecca Brunson (Jr.) and Lizzie Williams (Fr.). “Because of our depth and versatility in almost every position, I think we’ve got a chance to do something this fall that this program has never done,” replied Henry when asked about another state tournament trip. “Class B is loaded again including most of the eight teams that advanced last year returning most of their lineup.”