By RICHIE HALL
Reporter Sports Editor
With a wealth of big hitters returning to the Royals roster, the Hamilton Southeastern softball team undoubtedly has high expectations for this season.
The Royals had a fantastic 2017 season, finishing 18-9 and winning their first sectional and regional championships since 2014. Southeastern then advanced to the semi-state championship game before falling to eventual Class 4A state champion Crown Point.
The offensive contingent that’s coming back for HSE includes two juniors that hit north of .400 last season. Abby Taylor averaged a team-high .478 and also led the Royals in hitting (43), runs scored (32), triples (three) and stolen bases (10).
Another junior, Libby Ratliff, returns a .407 average, along with 37 hits, 23 RBIs and a team-leading nine doubles. Other juniors that return are Jordan Rager, who led HSE in RBIs with 29, and also counted three home runs and seven doubles among her 35 hits. Nicole Lang batted in 11 runs.
Senior Nicole Dillow is also back, with 32 hits and 27 runs to her credit from last year. Dillow had three homers, seven doubles and 18 RBIs.
Sophomore Jaylah Guilliam will return in the pitching circle for the Royals this season. As a freshman, Guilliam compiled an 8-3 record last season, with 71 strikeouts and a 3.58 earned-run average.
Southeastern will play back-to-back home games to open its season. The Royals host Carmel on Tuesday and then play North Central on Wednesday.
Southeastern roster
Seniors: Nicole Dillow, Holly Hosfield, Courtney Kocal, Ahliza Moore, Hailey Ogan, Bre Zook.
Juniors: Nicole Lang, Jordan Rager, Libby Ratliff, Abby Taylor, Abbey Willmann.
Sophomores: Olivia Bucher, Jaylah Guilliam, Lillian Leiner, Kaelin Wincek.
Freshman: Ava Aguilar.