The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

DAYTON/WAITSBURG – Softball Head Coach Shane Robins loses four very valuable pieces from last year’s State tournament qualifying team. Megan Robins and Hannah Becker were both two-year All-Conference players who graduated last spring.

Heidi Dobbs was also lost to graduation and Shelly Castoini opted not to play this season. However, the second-year coach does still have some pieces in place.

Tatumn Laughery was a standout All-Conference player as a junior centerfielder. This year, her athleticism and experience have moved her to shortstop. Filling that center field position that Laughery vacates, will be senior Neylan Bryan.

“Tatum Laughery is an incredible baserunner. She was 60-61 last year in stolen base attempts,” Robins said. She will be the leadoff hitter for the third consecutive year.

The pitching is young but promising, lead by a pair of sophomores, Sadie Seney and Keagan Larsen.

Robins begins his second season leading the program and is assisted by Josh Wilson and Marvin Eng. As far as healthy league competition, Robins describes Kittitas and Liberty-Christian as the teams to beat. The softball team is scheduled to open play March 19 in Boardman, Ore.