Lady Cougars Prepare for New Season

The Piedmont Academy fast-pitch softball team has returned to work for its new campaign and will also debut a new coach for 2006.

Nick Prezioso arrives at Piedmont by way of Florida and will officially take over the softball program within a few days. Prezioso is finishing his prior job commitments in Florida and until that time, Kenny Roberts, who coached the Lady Cougars last season, is handling pre-season practice.

Roberts said the team’s first game is August 12 at a tournament hosted by Gatewood. Piedmont will open the tournament against Windsor. The four-team tournament also features host Gatewood and Thomas Jefferson.

The Lady Cougars are also scheduled to compete in a tournament hosted by Windsor in Macon later this month.

Roberts said the team does not have any seniors this year, however, most of the squad returns intact from 2005. Piedmont lost only one senior to graduation from a year ago and one junior who decided not to play this season.

Roberts, who will continue to be the school’s athletic director, will also coach both varsity basketball teams in 2005-06. With the added duty of another varsity basketball team, Roberts said he needed time in the fall to begin those preparations so Prezioso, who will teach second grade at the school, was hired.