For Ozark’s Courtney Merrell, one way redemption will be represented for her this season is by the number of paws the senior second baseman can collect.
The Lady Tigers are being rewarded with stickers of paws and stars, to be placed on their helmets. A multi-hit game equals a paw, while a star is for a defensive highlight or “an ESPN play,” as Merrell calls it.
Merrell earned a paw with a four-hit performance in Ozark’s 14-7 triumph against Branson earlier this week.
It was a particularly fulfilling afternoon for Merrell due to the fact she fared well against slower pitching.
“I get in my head too much when I have time to think,” Merrell said. “I can hit faster pitching a lot better because I don't have time to think. With slower pitching, I'm thinking, 'Oh, should I swing or not?’”
Struggles against slow pitching was among her bugaboos last season, as she batted .248 with a .257 on-base percentage. Two years ago as a sophomore, she had 33 hits while hitting .306 with 21 runs scored and 16 RBIs.
Merrell is hoping her four-hit game will put her in bounce-back mode.
“I feel great now. But I didn't have a great first tournament (at Joplin last weekend). I don't think any of us did,” Merrell said. “We started off slow. But we all have a positive mentality and are confident.
“Last year, I was trying so hard. I was reaching out in front for everything,” she added. “I’ve tried to calm myself down and be more like myself.”
Merrell was encouraged by the progress she saw at the plate during travel ball for Ozark Union.
“I didn't hit as well this summer as I would have liked, but I did hit better than during school season,” she said.
Merrell has gained an appreciation for the continued confidence her teammates and coach Jimmy Nimmo have shown in her.
“Everyone being so supportive and positive has helped me build myself back up,” Merrell said. “That positive environment has helped me mentally.”
