By Kyle Roberts
There’s no mistaking the enthusiasm new Ruston head coach Lauren Garvie has for the kids and this upcoming season.
Despite taking over a program coming off of an underwhelming 4-29 season in 2022, Garvie is all positive as she faces a rebuilding season after coming to Ruston from Carthage, Texas, where she had already been a part of a winning program as an assistant.
Now, she looks to bring that successful culture to Ruston High School.
“Yes, this is a rebuilding year,” Garvie said. “And we’ve got a lot of freshmen coming in who also know that. I told the team recently that the awesome thing about rebuilding is that you get to decide what legacy you want to leave for Ruston. I’ve already seen the whole team in the weight room getting a little bit louder. They’re already getting a little bit more comfortable on the field, and they’re working on some details that are making them better athletes.”
The Lady Bearcats do return a majority of their roster from last season along with some additions that moved into the Ruston area. Garvie has identified a few players that she is expecting to give an immediate impact.
“(Junior pitcher) Kayla Wilson is going to be phenomenal for us,” Garvie said. “She’s not only good in the circle; she’s also good in the box; she’s going to hit the ball. And (junior Shelby Freeman) receives the ball so well at first base. She doesn’t think first basemen get the glory, but I definitely want to give that to her. She’s really intimidating to other teams in the box.
“And (junior) Murphy DeMoss shocked me this summer. I looked up, not expecting her to be running at me, but she is really fast. Gosh, she’s fast. And we have a lefty catcher in (sophomore) Morgan Foster that can also play outfield for us.”
Ruston opens up hosting North DeSoto tonight and will play its first three opponents of the season at home.
2023 Ruston High Softball Roster
| Abby Holton | So. | 9 | Utility |
| Allie Barrett | Jr. | 23 | OF |
| Allie Richardson | Jr. | 10 | IF |
| Cala Wilson | Jr. | 2 | P/IF |
| Ella Kate Jones | Fr. | 6 | Utility |
| Gabbie Granger | So. | 12 | IF |
| Grace Dotson | Jr. | 21 | OF |
| Grace Sutton | Jr. | 18 | C/IF |
| Isabelle Burns (Belle) | Sr. | 8 | OF |
| Jaiden Feeheley | So. | 22 | IF |
| Jojo Fernandes | Jr. | 19 | OF/C |
| Katelyn Stanley | So. | 16 | IF |
| Malena Listle | Fr. | 15 | IF |
| Morgan Foster | So. | 5 | C/OF |
| Murphy DeMoss | Jr. | 3 | OF |
| Rilee Atwood | So. | 1 | Utility |
| Sage Tolar | Fr. | 17 | P/OF |
| Shelby Freeman | Jr. | 25 | IF |
| Isabella Tucker | So. | Manager | |
| Gabriella Sterling | Jr. | Manager | |
| Amorah Boston | So. | Manager | |
| Mia Tapia | So. | Manager |
The full schedule is listed below.
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