POPLARVILLE, Miss. — One more win was all the Pearl River softball team was in search of last season for a berth in the NJCAA DII World Series but came up just short. With the 2024 season just four days away, the preseason sixth-ranked Wildcats hope their hard work in the offseason will help them take the next leap.

"I feel like culture wins games," head coach Christie Meeks said. "Our culture was fantastic last season. They came together at the beginning of the year. They worked hard, played for each other and accomplished incredible things. That's how we got as far as we did."

The Wildcats have added motivation heading into the new year, knowing how close they were to accomplishing something never done at Pearl River.

"This group is playing for things that are a little bit bigger," Meeks said. "They have a chip on their shoulder since they were one game away last year. What sets this team apart is that the coaches don't just drive them, but they are self-driven."

PITCHING AS A STAFF
Pearl River has consistently ranked among the best pitching teams in the country under the direction of Meeks, and there's no reason that will change in 2024. 

All-MACCC and All-Region 23 performer Natalie Herrington (Petal) is back to lead the charge at the top of the Wildcat rotation. The Southern Miss signee was electric for the Wildcats in her freshman campaign, tallying a 15-6 record and a 1.51 ERA while throwing 143 2/3 innings. She struck out 129 batters on the year and walked only 26. Herrington's 1.51 ERA tied for 10th-best in the NJCAA last season. 

"Natalie is ultra-competitive," Meeks said. "She mixes things up so well in the circle. We really settled on the changeup this year. She can use it in any count. This offseason, she has found a way not to be one dimensional and use all aspects of her game."

Aiding Herrington at the top of the rotation will be Southeastern Louisiana transfer Lainee Bailey (Walker, La.). Bailey had a prolific high school career before joining the Lions last season. As a Lion, she carried a 3.41 ERA through 12 1/3 innings pitched. She made 10 appearances, started one game and picked up one save. Bailey will be the staff's power pitcher, consistently throwing 65 miles per hour.

"Lainee brings a lot of maturity to our staff," Meeks said. "She had to grow fast as a freshman at SLU. We needed her maturity on this team. She's a composed pitcher who doesn't let things affect her."

Pearl River's third starter on the staff will be a returner in Bella Crawley (Ocean Springs). The right-hander appeared in 10 games for PRCC last season and finished with a 4-1 record, one save and three complete games. In 34 innings pitched, Crawley's ERA was 3.29. 

"Bell's off-speed stuff is fantastic," Meeks said. "She can throw the changeup in any count. She's done a good job ensuring her pitches break sharp and don't run across the plate."

The Wildcats plan to deploy closers regularly this season. Bryn Daughtery (Vancleave) and Anna Kate Rounsaville (Gulfport) will come out of the pen. Daughtery only threw six innings for PRCC last season but held a 2.33 ERA. Rounsaville had an incredible high school career, earning Region 8-6A Pitcher of the Year in 2021 and being an All-District player in 2019, '21, '22 and '23.

"Bryn spins the ball really well," Meeks said. "She creates a lot of soft contact. Anna Kate will be a very unique tool for the staff. She brings a lot of off-speed pitches, and she's tough."

OFFENSIVE OUTLOOK
On the offensive side, Pearl River has several vital returners and numerous impactful newcomers.

New faces will occupy the catching position — and it's a true battle going into the season. The Wildcats have four players who haven't seen regular time at the collegiate level who will all log innings. Among those are redshirt freshman Kaitlynn Schonewitz (Poplarville), freshman Caitlyn Riche (Walker, La.), freshman Sophia Montiforte (Biloxi) and freshman Caroline Lindsey (Gulfport).

"Each catcher is unique in their own way," Meeks said. "Kaitlynn learned a lot last year as a redshirt freshman, and she's putting it into action. Caitlyn Riche has done a great job so far and has caught Lainee for years, dating back to their high school days. Our pitchers love to throw to Caroline because she gives them so much confidence. Sofia works quietly but very hard. She has a really good pop time and has improved her blocking and framing. Our catchers will see time as we try to keep legs fresh."

First base has four players fighting for regular time at the position: sophomores Daughtery and Ryleigh Wallace (Petal), and freshmen Campell Lee (Brandon) and Peyton Hoffmayer (Ocean Springs). Daughtery served as PRCC's designated player last season, hitting .331 with seven doubles and five homers. She was named All-MACCC Honorable Mention. Wallace hit .318 in 22 at-bats last season, driving in four runs.

"We have four players battling it out for first base," Meeks said. "I think we will see them all there. We play 60 games this spring. It'll be nice to check our options in non-conference."

At second base, Meeks expects CharLee Meadows (Piave; Greene County), Rounsaville and LSU Alexandria transfer Madelyn Bourgoyne (Walker, La.) all to factor in depending on matchups. Meadows started all 56 games last season for the Wildcats, hitting .233 with four doubles, three home runs, and two triples along the way. She drove in 27 runs. Bourgoyne started 27 of 29 games at shortstop for the Generals last season. Riche may even get some opportunities there.

"We have a lot of depth there, too," Meeks said. "You'll see CharLee. Anna Kate will get some reps at second. Madelyn played a lot of second with her travel ball team. 

Shortstop is as sure of a position as any for the Wildcats, thanks to the return of team captain and Mississippi College signee Morgan Lavergne (Baton Rouge, La.; Central). Lavergne packs a lot of punch in her 5-foot frame and will set the tone at the top of the lineup. Last season, she led Pearl River in batting average (.391), on-base percentage (.473), homers (12), doubles (16), triples (3) and RBIs (46).

"We don't want her to worry about trying to one-up last season," Meeks said. "We want her to have fun when she plays. She has signed with her four-year home, so there's no pressure of finding what's next. Now, it's just about building to be a leader there, too. She's got so much heart, and it shows in every at-bat."

Bourgoyne will add some innings at the position as well.

Rounsaville and Lindsey are both vying for time at third base. Natalie Toups (Brandon; Clinton Christian Academy) split time between third and the outfield last year and may log some innings once again.

"We've got a great battle at third," Meeks said. "We have two freshmen battling. Caroline and AK both will have a chance to win the job, as well as Natalie, who played there last year."

Left field is set to be anchored by Klair Cuevas (Poplarville; Hancock). Cuevas registered 75 at-bats last season and held a .227 batting average with five homers and four doubles. She finished with 13 RBIs and scored 15 runs. 

"Klair has done a fantastic job for us in left field. Going into your sophomore year is such a transformation for athletes. Klair put in the work over the summer, fall and winter. She's earning her spot every day. She and coach (Maddie) Antone have put a lot of time and effort into making her a more consistent hitter."

Taryn Jackson (Hattiesburg; Oak Grove) and Bailey Bishop (Hattiesburg; Oak Grove) will factor into that position as well. 

The switch-hitting Toups will bring her stellar glove to the centerfield position. Toups hit .230 with seven RBIs and 17 walks as a freshman.

"Nat is a tough, gritty player," Meeks said. "We hope to see her on both sides of the plate this year. She has worked on her craft on both sides. She's aggressive and is working hard."

Alexa Womack (Prairieville, La.; Dutchtown) will also factor in centerfield too.

In right field, Womack, Ashlyn Dean (Carriere; Pearl River Central) and CC Spiers (Leakesville; Greene County) are fighting for the job. 

"Alexa, Ashlyn and CC are all looking for a chance in right field. Arm strength and their at-bats will determine who plays out there."

GETTING STARTED
Pearl River opens its season Friday and Saturday as the Wildcats participate in the Galveston College Tournament. On Friday, PRCC squares off against Blinn at 10 a.m., Alvin at 3 p.m. and Butler at 5:30 p.m. Saturday sees the Wildcats take on Galveston at 10 a.m. followed by Navarro at 12:30 p.m. The first home doubleheader of the year will be on Jan. 30 against Lurleen B. Wallace. The doubleheader, which serves as sophomore day, will begin at 3 p.m.

TICKETS
Tickets are on sale now at PRCCAthletics.com/Tickets. General admission tickets are $8 per game. Season passes can be purchased for $75 for softball or a softball/baseball season pass can be purchased for $100.

HOW TO WATCH 
The Wildcats will once again livestream all games for free at PRCCMedia.com/gold. Fans who have Roku, Amazon Fire or Apple TV devices can also watch the Wildcat broadcasts by downloading the "Pearl River CC" channel from their app stores.   

For the latest on Pearl River Community College athletics, follow us on Twitter (@PRCCAthletics) and Facebook (PRCCAthletics).