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Softball taking big swings |
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Written by Greg Bird
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Friday, 19 March 2010 |
Next week marks the start of the 2010 Fast-Pitch Softball season and the Lady Raiders are hoping to take a big swing at a District and Regional Title.
Next week marks the start of the 2010 Fast-Pitch Softball season and the Lady Raiders are hoping to take a big swing at a District and Regional Title.
Coach David Durham is very excited about the upcoming season. Fielding a team of proven veteran players and several talented youngsters, he has a bright outlook on the season, and hopes to dramatically improve on the squads’ 5-19 record in 2009.
“If we can come out and hit it, and field the ball well, we can be a very competitive team,” he said.
The main focus for the Lady Raiders this spring has been beefing up their offense and locking down the defense. McCreary had only averaged 4.4 runs per game last season, while giving up 8.7.
While the wet weather has limited the team’s ability to work on fielding as much as he hoped, Coach Durham said they have been able to work on their hitting in the batting cage.
“Hitting in the cage has really helped us,” he said. “I’m very optimistic that we can put the ball in play and score some runs.”
“If we can push 5 to 6 runs across the plate, and play solid defense, we are going to be in a lot of ball games.”
The Lady Raiders defense will be anchored by Taniesha Vanover on the mound. Vanover, who has already signed with Berea College to continue her playing career, dedicated her off-season to prepare for her Senior season
“She is one of the most consistent pitchers out there,” Durham said. “She’s going to go out and throw strikes for us. We just have to be able to field the ball behind her.”
While not set in stone, the rest of the lineup will see plenty of familiar faces. Senior Chelsea Smith will handle the bulk of the catching duties, with Brianna Hodge holding down third-base and Jennifer Vanover at short. The other two infield spots are still up for grabs, with several players battling for the spots. In the outfield Tiffany Toth and Jamie Bennish will be joined by Keisha Gibson. Several other players can see time in the outfield as well.
Durham will also have a deeper bench than usual, allowing him more flexibility and the opportunity to rest players and ride a hot hitter.
“We still have battles for some positions,” Durham said. “That kind of competition is great for the players. Who ever is on the bench will be ready to fill in without the team missing a beat.”
Durham is also excited about the crop of young players that will be cutting their teeth on the junior varsity roster this year.
“We have a lot of girls that can play,” he said. “A lot of them are going to start out in JV. But, I expect to see many of them get some opportunities in varsity games.”
“They will continue to develop and make sure this team stays strong in the years to come.”
“We are in a good place right now.”
The Lady Raiders open their season with two road games: Monday at Clinton County (6:00) and Tuesday at Whitley County (5:30). Their first home game will be Thursday afternoon against Cumberland County at 5:30.
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