Columbus East’s Hermione Robinson pitches to Edinburgh March 28, 2023, at Columbus East.
The Republic file photo
Columbus East had its best season in more than a decade last year, led by Division I players Kenzie Foster and Kaylee Cole.
With those players gone, Olympians coach Rusty Brummett expects his team to be more balanced from top to bottom this season.
“It’s tough to replace two girls who hit .450 or better and are off playing Division I softball and then three others who were really good,” Brummett said. “Our strength is not going to be one or two players. It’s going to be our balance throughout the lineup.”
East, which went 16-12 last season, has 23 girls on this year’s team, which will allow it to field a JV squad.
“I’m really pleased with what we have,” Brummett said. “We’re probably from a depth perspective, a little bit further than we have been in awhile. Our numbers are really good. We have a lot of girls back that have a lot of experience, not only in high school, but in travel ball. So from that perspective, we feel pretty good.”
Senior Hermione Robinson was the Olympians’ top pitcher last season. She’ll have help this year from sophomore Raegyn Foster and freshmen Baleigh Fish and Jade Hampton.
Unlike last year, Robinson likely will play shortstop when she isn’t pitching this spring.
“Hermione is a very good athlete,” Brummett said. “She’s not a pitcher only. She’s going to be in the game somewhere.”
Columbus East center fielder Savanna Sullivan calls for the ball against Columbus North May 23, 2023, in the first round of the North Sectional.
The Republic file photo
Senior Addy Ross has played catcher, first base and third base the past three years. Senior Savanna Sullivan returns in center field.
Sophomore Tasha Armstrong played some outfield and second base last season, and sophomore Mackenzie Hampton played second, third and catcher. Freshmen Taylor Engelking, Jade Hampton and Lola Watkins, along with Fish and Foster, also are possibilities in the infield.
“There’s several places where we could put some of our girls, and we’ll figure out what’s best for our team,” Brummett said. “The starting lineup in the very first game we play probably will not be the starting lineup at the end of the season. If we play on the 26th our best softball, it’s going to be a long season.”
Senior Haley Robinson saw some action in the outfield last season, and Watkins also can play in the outfield. Senior Shelby Kendrick, who competed in gymnastics at East, is playing high school softball for the first time.
“She’s been a great addition to the team as far as what it takes to be a great athlete and having a great mindset,” Brummett said. “From a leadership perspective, these girls are doing some great things,” Brummett said. “Then as we get into the season, some of our young people will start to learn what needs to happen to make it an elite program.”
Brummett is expecting his team to be aggressive on the basepaths.
“We have a group of girls that are just very aggressive, and that’s really hard to teach,” Brummett said. “When you get a group that understands that, that puts pressure on the defense. This is just a great group. They’re listening. They’re trying to do what we want them to do. You can see their effort is in the right place.”
The 2024 Columbus East softball schedule:
Wednesday vs. Brown County (scrimmage), 5:30 p.m.
March 26 vs. Edinburgh, 5:30 p.m.
March 28 at Bloomington North, 6 p.m.
March 30 at Bloomington South (DH), 10 a.m.
April 2 at Brownstown Central, 5:30 p.m.
April 4 vs. Floyd Central, 6:30 p.m.
April 5 at Brown County, 5:30 p.m.
April 6 at Greensburg, 11 a.m.
April 9 vs. Hauser, 5:30 p.m.
April 13 at Mt. Vernon, 10 a.m.
April 15 at Columbus North, 5 p.m.
April 18 vs. Seymour, 5:30 p.m.
April 19 vs. Shelbyville, 5:30 p.m.
April 20 vs. Franklin (DH), 10 a.m.
April 23 at Jennings County, 5:30 p.m.
April 26 vs. Bedford North Lawrence, 6 p.m.
April 27 vs. Center Grove, 10 a.m.
April 29 vs. New Albany, 6 p.m.
May 2 at Trinity Lutheran, 5:30 p.m.
May 3 at Connersville, 6 p.m.
May 9 at Avon, 6 p.m.
May 11 at Connersville Spartan Rumble, 9 a.m.
May 14 at Indian Creek, 5:30 p.m.
May 16 at Scottsburg, 5:30 p.m.
