A new era has arrived for the Houston High School softball program.
The Lady Tigers are playing competitively in the spring for the first time as they transition from the fall. They are also under new leadership as Jim Moore takes the reigns from Brent Hall.
After going a full calendar year without softball as the district made the switch – the Lady Tigers’ last game was in the fall of 2017 – HHS made its spring debut Friday with a 10-0 win at Eminence and won 7-6 Tuesday at Thayer.
“I miss coaching with coach Hall,” said Moore, who was his assistant for two seasons. “But I’m also excited about the new adventure.”
HHS returns five starters, led by senior pitcher Emily Roberts, a four-year starter on the mound. Also back are outfielders Shelby Ozier and Kameron Hall as well two infielders moving positions – Jaden Stell from second to short and Madison Curtis from catcher to third.
Catching Roberts is sophomore Jada Lassiter. Another sophomore, Riley Scheets, will start at first while freshman Hannah Dzurick is the second baseman.
In the outfield, Ozier (center) and Hall (right) are joined by sophomore Kaylee Hock.
Three underclassmen – sophomore Leighanna VanHorn and freshmen MacKenzie Holder and Ashley Loman – will contribute off the bench.
Moore, who recently completed his third season leading the HHS girls’ basketball team, is no stranger to the diamond. His coaching career began in 1998 as the Winona softball team’s head coach. He also started the softball program at Pierce City and was a three-year assistant at Carthage.
“I have quite a bit of softball experience. People don’t know that,” Moore said. “It’s a little more laid back than basketball, but you still get to compete.”