ELK CITY ELKETTES

Coach: KALEB MURRAY

28-10

Following a 28-win campaign and 4A top-15 finish in 2023, the Elkettes have their eyes on gold. “We will be returning a lot of key pieces back from a very competitive team last year,” head coach Kaleb Murray said. “We will have some new faces at a couple positions but return good leadership at others. We will also return strong pitching in the circle as well as one of the best shortstops in the state.” Meet Ella Sottile (Sr.) and Aubrie Pogue (Jr.). Sottile is committed to play at Southern Nazarene after this year. “Ella is our Senior shortstop who has already put together a wonderful career,” Murray said. “She is a career .450 hitter and one of the best shortstops around. She brings unlimited energy and leadership to our team and is a main piece to our success for this coming year.” Pogue, a righty, was considered one of the best area pitchers before her sophomore year began — and she didn’t disappoint. “Aubrie had over 250 strikeouts last year while also hitting over .400,” Murray said. “She brings a competitiveness to the circle you hardly see and has a refuse-to-lose attitude. She has improved every year and has big things in front of her.” Jacee Baker (Sr.), another experienced returner, will play first base and relieve Pogue when needed. “Jacee has shown a lot of grit throughout her softball career. She has battled multiple injuries and has found a way to be a positive, hard-working leader the whole way,” Murray said. “She has remarkable work ethic and a great passion for her craft. I expect Jacee to have a strong impact on our team this year!” Jera Moler (Sr.) is a clubhouse spark plug. “Jera is one of the hardest working and kindest kids I have coached,” Murray said. “She never complains about anything and is always encouraging. She found a home in our outfield and has made us a great hand. This year, we will rely on her bat in the middle of the order.” Elk City fans should find themselves acquainted with Blakely Ball (So.), if they haven’t already. “Blakely started in left field as a freshman and had a tremendous season,” Murray said. “She became our leadoff hitter and ended with a .400 batting average. She brings a ton of speed to the outfield as well as on base.”