Parkway South Softball Looks to Get Back to Final Four

Megan Medcalf and Kelli Walsh would love to finish their high school softball careers the same way in which they started.

The Parkway South seniors were members of the Patriot team which finished second in the state tournament when they were freshmen.

On paper, the Patriots would have to be considered one of the top teams in the St. Louis area.

They have breezed to wins in their first three games defeating Notre Dame (15-0), Mehlville (12-1) and Parkway North (11-0).

Parkway South was 23-6 last year and was the only team to defeat state champion Oakville. The Tigers avenged that loss with a win in the state quarterfinals, thus preventing the Patriots from a return trip to the final four.

"I am sure that the fact that they were just one win away is in the back of their minds," said Parkway South coach Terry Bazzell, who takes over as head coach after five years as an assistant to Stephanie Villigram, who is taking the year off after having a baby. "That is what they want to accomplish."

Parkway South returns standout pitcher Sheridon Sprague. The junior was 20-5 last year with a 1.49 ERA.

"We are fortunate to have one of the best pitchers in the area," said Bazzell, who has head coaching experience at Hannibal. "She had a very successful season last year and we expect another big season from her this season."

Sprague is also an offensive threat as she hit .349 with three homers and 17 RBI.

The .349 mark is just fifth among returning players for a potentially explosive Parkway South offensive attack.

Senior Alyssa Francis and Medcalf both hit over .400 last year. Francis, who moves to third base from behind the plate, led the team with a .423 average. She had three home runs and 19 RBI. Medcalf, a first baseman, also hit .423.

Senior catcher Jenna Breitbach (.371) and junior second baseman Taylor Monaco (.365) also had good offensive seasons.

Lexi Glaser, who was a starting outfielder last season, was expected to start at third base but is awaiting the results of an MRI taken on her shoulder.

There is also some top new talent to go along with the experienced group. Freshman Kaylyn Breitback is starting at shortstop.

"We return a strong unit which we have been fortunate to have had the past several years," Bazzell said. "We are in a nasty district with top competition. It will be a tough road but we would love to get back to the final four (which is being held in Springfield this fall)."