The Oklahoma Bible Academy Lady Trojans slow-pitch softball team, led by head coach Chris Cayot, enters the season building off a strong finish a year ago. “Close loss in Consolation game to go to State Tournament last year,” Cayot said. Despite roster turnover, the foundation remains strong. “Lost 2nd and 3rd hole hitters but bring back leading hitter (Jalynn McAlister – .663) and three others that hit over .450 (Kinedi Fettke, Peyton Esau, Micah Wilson).” Cayot believes the group has depth and potential, adding, “Lots of young players ready to step up. Should be solid defensively with growth of young players and addition of freshman.”
At the center of the lineup is Jalynn McAlister, who made an immediate impact as a freshman. Cayot said she “hit .663 with OPS of 1.784 in Frosh season.” Her production was consistent across the board, as she “led team in total hits (54), singles (35) and doubles (13).” Defensively, McAlister was just as dependable, playing third base with a “strong infield glove at 3rd Base with .909 fielding % as Frosh.”
Sophomores Kinedi Fettke and Peyton Esau are two underclassmen expected to play key roles. Cayot said Fettke is a “Soph who hit .489 as Frosh with OPS of 1.328. Had 44 hits (3rd on team) with 12 doubles and 4 homeruns.” He added that she is a “solid infield glove with .929 fielding % as Frosh.” Esau also brings consistency to the lineup, as she is a “Soph who hit .458 as Frosh with OPS of 1.140. Had 33 hits with 21 singles and 10 doubles.” Defensively, Esau “played 1st base with .958 fielding % as Frosh.”
The team’s character counts athlete is Maddox Mendenhall, who Cayot described by saying, “Great kid that has pitched for us for two years.” He continued, “Great character and motivation. Works very hard at whatever she does.” Mendenhall also excels in the classroom, as Cayot noted she “makes great grades (currently 4.0 this year) in a challenging course load.”
Additional contributors include Micah Wilson, a “Power Hitter w/ 1.216 OPS, Great Track Athlete (sprints), 4.0 Student,” along with freshmen Madi Mari and Addisyn Ryel, both described as “great young players.”
