Kennett softball fans know the impact on the city

KENNETT, Mo.- The Kennett Lady Indians softball team is heading back to Springfield for the third time in four years. This time, they are tasked with the team they beat for the third place last year in Diamond. However, fans think it may be a bit different this year.

"We played Diamond last year in the third-place game, and we came out on top, there is a bit of familiarity there," said Gaylon Orf, father of Kennett softball senior Olivia Orf. "Those are games you learn from, and you find out how important execution is."

Fans around the city are very excited, and rightfully so. They think the Indians could potentially go all the way this year, and why shouldn't they.

"Without a doubt, we can go all the way," said Laurie McAtee, Handley McAtee's mother. "This group of seniors is outstanding athletes and we are so very fortunate that Handley has been part of this team. We played some of the teams we will be facing and although we didn't come out on the winning end at Park Hills, hopefully, we got our jitters out. We made a lot of mistakes that we normally don't make, but when we're on, we can play with anyone."

"I think they are very capable," praised Orf. "[four years ago] they were one inning away from winning the championship. The other team, they were a good team, but it was just who can do the best job executing, and who can make the least amount of mistakes."

The Lady Indians have five seniors this year, all of who have been very productive on the field, and should continue to do so next game.

"These five seniors have worked their tails off to get this far," said Laura Harmon, mother of Jetta Tillmon. "Being in the final four three times their high school careers, we will never know what could have happened their sophomore year due to Covid, but there is no doubt in my mind that they would have gone that year also… I think that winning state would be the best way to close their high school chapter."

A state championship would mean a lot to the city of Kennett. For starters, bringing a state championship back home means more recognition that these girls and the school deserves, among a few other things.

"Those championships don't happen all that often," stressed Orf. "Only one team per class will be happy at the end of the season."

For Kennett, this would be their first state championship since 2015, when the team the class one championship back-to-back years in 2014 and 15'. In a way, they have been a softball powerhouse.

"This little town is packed full of talented people," stressed Harmon. Whether it’s with music, football, baseball, or softball, but in my opinion, the girls winning state would show the underclassmen that if you put in the work, anything is possible."

"The city always gets behind the softball team since we have built this tradition," said Laurie McAtee. "We are fortunate to have successful football, baseball, and tennis teams as well. Much of our success can be attributed to our community support."

The community support is what separates Kennett from a lot of other towns. Kennett backs their softball programs, and in a way has become a softball and baseball town.

"They are both [Softball, Baseball] pretty big to the city," said Orf. "It is a bigger sense of community within a town when the school has programs that are thriving. I think it brings people together. In small towns, smaller than Kennett, that is the main event in the town. For a lot of communities, that is the event... It's huge."

"Kennett softball has built a tradition for the last 7 or 8 years. It has become a 'norm' for Kennett softball," praised Laurie McAtee. "This community has always supported Kennett athletics as you can see with all the business support. We have been fortunate to be part of this tradition with our older daughter, Sydni, and Handley has seen it all. She has dreamed of this day and we are so proud to be a part of this team."

Other fans, not just parents of the players, should go and see the team play on Monday if possible. If you can get off work, the team would love to see your support, and here is why:

"It’s definitely an intense atmosphere," explained Harmon. "The crowds are loud and of course, everyone is wanting their team to come out on top.. you will see dad’s pacing, moms biting their nails & grandparents beaming with pride."

Going to a final four does not happen as often as the Kennett softball program may lead you to believe, they just make it look easy. However, you never know if a team could be back. This year, there are a couple of teams who are in the final four for the first time in nearly 20 years, which is longer than these players have been alive. Go support your hometown team if possible. Plus, it will be fun!

"The atmosphere is always so exciting when you reach this point," said McAtee. "Yes, there are nerves, but it's very exciting. I'm sure our freshmen will be more nervous, being there for the first time, but the others will be there to support them as they have all year."

Accomplishing a feat like the one possible on Monday is huge. The team could possibly win their third state championship in eight years, which is impressive in their own right. The community will for sure let everyone know about their softball team, as everyone here in Kennett is proud.