ELK CITY ELKS

Coach: KALEB MURRAY

OUTLOOK

Elk City will be carried by a strong tandem of pitchers, including VYPE Top 100 nominee Aubrie Pogue in 2023. The Elks lose some key pieces from last year’s 26-8 team, but high expectations remain for head coach Kaleb Murray. “We graduated a few key pieces to our team, but we are bringing back crucial parts as well as getting some girls back that weren’t healthy,” Murray said. “We will have a very competitive and athletic team with one of the better 1-2 punches in the circle around. We have very high expectations for this coming year and I can’t wait to get started.” Pogue, just a sophomore, is regarded as one of the top pitchers around. She won 25 games and had an earned run average below 2.00 as a freshman. With the bat, she hit .451 and drove in 30 runs. “Aubrie is one of the best pitchers and competitors around,” Murray said. “She is only a sophomore that is constantly getting better, stronger, and more athletic every day.” Ella Sottile is back as one of the better hitters in Class 4A. “Ella is the spark for our whole team, she sets the tone every single time we play,” Murray said. “She has been at the top of 4A in batting average, fielding percentage, and has led 4A in triples the last two seasons. She is one of the best overall players I have had the privilege to coach. The best part about Bird is her love for the game and teammates, she plays the game how it is supposed to be played.” Emily Lowrance returns at third base. “Emily has been one of the best and most consistent third baseman around. She shows up early and stays late, always giving you all she has,” Murray said. “She played on a bum ankle in a regional her freshman year and had to end up getting surgery on it, but she never once allowed me to take her out. I know exactly what I am going to get out of her day in and day out, and that’s a fantastic trait.” Lou Wyatt will be taking over catching duties, replacing four-year starter and 2022 all-state selection Abby Robbins. “Lou is a big, tall athletic catcher who has the ability to control a game from behind the dish. We are also expecting Lou to be a big contributor at the plate for us this next year,” Murray said. “She has big shoes to fill since, but she has every tool to be able to step in and be a force.” First baseman Brianna Butler will be a factor at the plate from the middle of the lineup. “BB brings intense energy to everything she does. She has the ability to get people fired up and keep them going. She is one of the hardest workers we have and plays the game with extreme toughness,” Murray said. “She is a big part of the middle of our lineup as well as locking down first base.” Madison Holladay is another key component returning as an outfielder. “Madison has been a consistent starter in our outfield and brings elite speed to the field for us,” Murray said.