Lady Canes Are Ready to Take the Field

Athletic Director and Head Softball Coach Chris Jenkins is cautiously optimistic about the 2012 Lady ‘Canes being one of his best teams, even though he has seven starters returning from last year’s team.

Last year was the seventh straight year the team has made it to the playoffs, however they were eliminated in the first round.

Things should be different this year, because three starting pitchers will also be returning including Juniors Taylor Garrett and Kaitlan Needham, and sophomore Morgan Studdard.

{{more}}

When asked if he thought this year’s team had a chance to go deeper into the playoffs Coach Jenkins said, “We do. Of the seven starters we have coming back, five of them will have two years playoff experience. Defense will be the big question. We lost two outstanding defensive players from last year, both of who went on to play at the next level. If we can find some players to fill those two slots and have them just play solid softball, we’ll be okay.

“As far as hitting the ball, we should be fine there, too, and we’ll know for sure when we see some live pitching. Our one through nine players at the plate should be pretty good.”

The team will take the field at home for their first game versus Morgan County next Wednesday with the first pitch scheduled for 5 p.m.

Their second game is also scheduled to be played at home versus Locust Grove next Thursday, August 16, at 5 p.m.

Coach Jenkins’ staff includes Assistant Softball Coach Brandy Heaffner.