With a 3-0 record in the first week of the season, Pioneer softball coach Dave Riesen is upbeat about the 2017 season.

"I like our group of kids,'' said Riesen Thursday. "We have good chemistry. That might be the most important thing to have early on.''

The second most important might be having an experienced battery like the Lady Mustangs have in junior returning starters Lexi Booth and Megan Carson.

Booth will be on the mound most of the time, but will move to catcher when Carson goes to the circle.

"That's where you start in fastpitch,'' Riesen said. "The circle and behind the plate are a big part of the game.''

Booth was 25-10 with an 1.01 ERA last season.

"It would be hard for her to improve but she is throwing harder and has more movement on her pitches,'' Riesen said. "Lexi has as good as control as any pitcher that I have had. She can give up more hits than most pitchers, who give up a lot of walks.''

Carson's arm is stronger and is playing with more confidence, Riesen said. aid.

"She does an outstanding job behind the plate,'' Riesen said. "She doesn't have too many passed balls and does a good job of preventing wild pitches. We feel confident in either one either as a pitcher or a catcher."

Lizzy Bennett, who has started the last two years in the outfield, has moved to second, at least temporarily. Madison Postier, who started at third last season, has moved to short for the time being. McKayla Kerger, last year's designated player, is playing third but could end up at second. Macy Alford is set at first.

"The key for us is having our infield play solid defense,'' Riesen said. "I feel comfortable with that. As the season goes, we should get even better.''

Returning starter Cheyann Vaughn is back in center where she is expected to be flanked by Shea Heinlein in left and freshman Haley Panhorst in right.

Sophmore Katey Moore is slated to be the designated player.

"It's still early,'' Riesen said. "We're still doing some experimenting. It's a work in progress."

The Lady Mustangs were 28-11 last season, losing to top-seeded Mooreland twice in extra innings in the regionals.

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Riesen likes Pioneer softball's chemistry, battery - Enid News & Eagle