New Season On Deck For the Lady Canes
Monticello High School’s fast-pitch softball embarks on its quest to return to Columbus as the 2019 season arrives Tuesday.
Coach Chris Jenkins’ team will open the new season Monday against Ola High School in McDonough at 5:30 p.m. Players have been working throughout the summer in preparation for what all involved hope will be another successful campaign.
“I hope we are ready,” Jenkins said this week. “In the past we have played some games in July but with so many new players at new positions we decided to get a little more practice in.”
Monticello will travel to Newton High School today, Aug. 1, for a scrimmage game at 5 p.m.
“That will be a good preseason test for us,” Jenkins said. “We feel confident getting on the field and competing. While the program has had success we want this group of players to blaze their own path. This year’s team is its own and not one from the past.”
In terms of team goals for 2019 the Lady Canes coach said it will be up to the players to set those.
“We don’t want to put a ton of pressure on them,” Jenkins said.
Following the regular season opener next week MHS will then face Mary Persons on the road in Forsyth Aug. 8 and GMC in Milledgeville the following day. Both of those games also begin at 5:30 p.m.
The 2019 home opener is set for Tuesday, Aug. 13 against Oconee High School. That will be the first of four consecutive home contests for the Lady Canes who also will host Howard High School (Aug. 15.), Jackson High School (Aug. 19) and Mary Persons (Aug. 20.) All games are set for 5:30 p.m.
Jenkins has several returning players from last season’s state tournament team. Returning players include senior outfielder Makayla Wages, junior pitcher and infielder Bailey Jenkins, junior infielder Allie Jones, junior outfielder Marley Sands and junior infielder Hailie Tripp.
Returning sophomores include Avery Barton, Azure Guli, Haley Hooberry, Jocelyn Morris, Jenna Parrish, Kate Robinson and Jasmine Stone.
The Lady Canes have qualified for the state tournament four consecutive years and 13 of the past 14 seasons. MHS was state runner-up in 2017.
Region games this season will be against Union County, Oglethorpe County, Social Circle, Elbert County, Rabun County, Banks County and Putnam County. The region tournament will begin September 26 with the first round of state set for October 10.
The new softball complex is still being completed. Athletic director Matt Martin said the team may be able to compete on its new field by late August.