The Pioneers have their work cut out for them this fall as they pursue their first state title in school history. “We will be fairly young at some key positions but extremely talented,” head coach Karie A Lisenmeyer said. “I expect we will win some we shouldn’t and lose some we shouldn’t, but my hope is we will be competitive.” The Pioneers open the year at Piedmont at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 13. They’ll follow at the Cushing Tournament on Aug.15-17. Stillwater’s path to the postseason will travel through the KC Tournament (Aug. 23-24), the Choctaw Festival (Sep. 13-14), the NW OKC Festival (Sep. 20), the Claremore Festival (Sep. 28) and the OCU Festival (Sep. 4). Senior Night is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday, Sep. 26 against Wagoner. The Pioneers return five seniors: Raycye Fipps (3B/OF), Bela Coca (OF), Katelynn Gorton (1B/C), Shyanne Stallings (Uty) and Brittani Murray (RHP/1B). Murray is expected to carry a heavy load this season. “Brittani will be a major contributor in the circle and at the plate,” Lisenmeyer said. “We expect her to have a tremendous senior season.” Stillwater supporters should be thrilled for the back-half of Calle Cox’s (Jr., C/3B) varsity fastpitch career. She has been stellar behind the bump since her first year with the Pioneers. “Calle has been our starting catcher since her freshman year and one of our top hitters,” Lisenmeyer said. “We expect her to move into that leadership role this fall.”
Lisenmeyer will lean on Gorton’s voice in the clubhouse. “Katelynn is a tremendous leader and a young leader and a young lady that just does everything right without wanting recognition,” the head coach said. Likewise, Madeline Thomas is an exemplary student-athlete for whom Lisenmeyer has praise. “[Thomas is] one of the most coachable young ladies I have had the pleasure to coach. She is truly kind to everyone,” Lisenmeyer said. “Madeline is also involved in the Stillwater Unified Peers Club which partners students with and without disabilities. She has been a tremendous peer partner in all of Stillwater High School’s Special Olympic activities.”
