The season hasn't started and Poplar Bluff is already hurting from the injury bug.
Brylee Misner tore her ACL during soccer season and was always going to be out. A week ago, Kylie Rogers broke her finger and is now out for the season.
Coach Lisa Boyer was expecting Rogers to be a part of the pitching rotation, so the Mules are down to one pitcher and suddenly have a domino effect running through infield.
Audrey Lack has moved from second to short, but now second base is a question mark.
Returning starter Abby Gregory will move from left field to center. Savannah Hicks got some starting experience last year and has played all over the field. Emma Johnson played in the outfield last year but has moved to catcher.
"I guess we will have to see where we are at after this weekend," Boyer said.
Despite the early problems, Boyer added that the team is keeping a positive attitude.
"They are all getting along real well, they seem to be meshing well. The attitude is really positive. We have some freshmen who are coming in and they are doing a really good job," Boyer said. "Everyone is working hard, I feel like they are working hard. Even though you kind of come across these tough situations, all you can do is do your best. They are trying to go wherever you need them and they aren't being picky."
Poplar Bluff has also brought on Three Rivers alumna Mariah Randazzo as an assistant coach.
"She has done a good job. She has come in and she knows a lot about pitching and some other things. So she is helping out a lot. It is nice having people where you can spread the girls out and work on different things," Boyer said.