Sophomores Rymer, Purcell, Howe lead way; Basler named Jayhawk freshman of year
by Alan Hoskins, KCKCC sports information
It was only fitting that in the 41st year of softball at Kansas City Kansas Community College, the Blue Devils should win 41 games, the second most ever.
It was also a year of re-writing the record book – 14 individual records and two team marks as the Blue Devils finished 41-15, second only to the 47-13 season of 2000.
“It was a good year, the beginning of changing the culture of KCKCC softball both on and off the field,” said third-year head coach Lana Ross. “I think we proved once again we belong at or near the top in one of the toughest conferences in the nation and as a team, we had an overall grade point average of 3.69.”
The assault on the record book was led by three “super sophomores,” Alexis Rymer of Piper and Devin Purcell and Alaina Howe, both of Eudora. Each played three seasons, gaining an extra year of eligibility because of the COVID pandemic although the 2020 season was canceled after just 14 games.
Purcell and Howe played in more games (128) than any Blue Devil in history (Rymer played in 126).
Purcell also set career records for most hits (155), runs (136) and times at bat (406); Rymer re-wrote the record book for RBI (111), doubles (33), triples (11) and being hit by pitches (15).
In their three seasons, the Blue Devils were 86-42 and reached the regional finals in both 2019 and 2021.
“From the get-go, they played a big part in changing the culture,” Ross said. “Instead of being OK to losing, they established a foundation for future athletes wanting to come here to play and knowing they’ll be playing with other strong players.”
Purcell finished the season hitting .398 with five home runs and 43 runs-batted-in; Howe hit .368 with 49 RBI; and Rymer batted .346 with 10 home runs, seven triples and 56 RBI. Team records included home runs (53) and most hits (592).
The Freshman of the Year in the Jayhawk Conference, pitcher – designated hitter Bradi Basler of Lansing joined in the offensive assault. Not only did she set new standards for home runs (20), hits (85) and RBI (80), she had a Triple Crown season leading the Jayhawk in hitting (.503), home runs (20) and RBI (80). She also had a 20-6 pitching record, the second most wins ever.
Named to the All-Jayhawk second team, Basler led the team with a 3.64 ERA and 18 complete games. The team leader in hitting, Basler also led in hits (85), extra bases (40) and slugging percentage (.988).
Other record breakers were freshman shortstop of Savannah Maynard, who set single season records for runs (72) and doubles 25); and sophomore Jenna Daugherty of Olathe, who had 33 stolen bases while hitting .365.
In addition to the three “super sophs,” the Blue Devils will lose outfielders Alyssa Seichepine of Lansing, who hit .389; pinch hitter deluxe Georgia Faunt, who batted .476; and backups Leah Seichepine (.265) and Alexander Schafer (.400).
However, a new crop of five ‘super sophs’ will return along with three freshmen starters. Back for a third season will be starters Basler, first baseman Hannah Maurer, who hit .333 with five homers and 45 RBI; RBI; and second baseman Madison Pope of McLouth, who hit .333 with 31 RBI; along with pitchers Samantha Reynolds (2-0) and Reagan Marsh, both of Tonganoxie. Marsh was sidelined almost the entire season by injury.
Returning freshmen include the battery of Breanna Droge and Lindsey Gettle and Maynard at shortstop. Droge (16-9) made 30 starts with 15 complete games. She led in strikeouts with 96 while compiling a 4.53 ERA. Gettle made 45 starts behind the plate, hitting .364 with 30 RBI. Maynard batted .371, had seven home runs and drove in 59 from the leadoff spot.
In addition to eight returnees, Ross and assistant Jenn Strohman have signed 11 recruits and have offers out to two others.
“The future looks really bright, especially with the super sophs coming back to lead the team in experience,” Ross said. “And we have a very talented group coming to push the sophomores.”
Ross said the 2021 season was one of the most fun ever in a long coaching career.
“This team was so gritty and fought so hard right up to the final pitch. I could not be more proud,” she said. “I did not want the season to end, this team was so much fun to be around.”
