Lady Cougars Begin Season Monday

It will be a new season with a new head coach for the Piedmont Academy fast-pitch softball team.

After reaching the state finals last fall the Lady Cougars are hoping to once again compete for a GISA Class AA state championship in 2019 under the direction of new coach Joe Johnson.

Players have worked throughout the summer to prepare for the new softball season. The season opener is set for Monday against Fullington Academy on the road in Pinehurst at 5:30 p.m.

Joe Johnson is leading the Lady Cougars for 2019 as Piedmont tries to make another deep run in the state playoffs.

“We have practiced about as much as we can,” the coach said. “It’s time to put up or shut up and see where we are at. That will let us know what we need to work on. We have looked pretty good through our practice work this summer but we need to see how we react when we are in a game.”

Piedmont will be a young squad this upcoming season with just one senior. However, several players who were key contributors last fall are back, the coach said.

Madison Johnson is the team’s lone senior this season with juniors including Haley Ann Frank, Jayden Young, Melenie Karoffa and Jacey Morgan.

Sophomores include Fleming Sealy, MaLynne Webb, Hayden McLendon and Maddie Waddleton. Freshmen on the team include Emily McEwen, Dakota Floyd, Haiden Crews, Alisa Gilroy and Abby Arnold.

Eighth graders include McKayla Arnold, Bailey Mobley and Ellie McCart.

Piedmont finished as state-runner up in 2018 after winning the state title for 2017. Seven players graduated from last season’s squad.

Following Monday’s season opener the Lady Cougars will host Georgia Force on Aug. 8 at 5 p.m.