Lady Pioneers fill 2006 softball roster

By DALE STUBBLEFIELD / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

UPTON

The Lady Pioneer softball team concluded their tryouts for next year’s team with a make-up tryout, which was held on Monday. Head softball coach David Upton filled his 2005 squad with 23 players after 30 girls participated in the tryouts.

In years past, the squad has been lacking in experience and senior leadership as the past three seasons have seen three to four seniors. This year’s squad will have six seniors, five juniors, four sophomores and eight freshman.

Although the team will have a solid group of seniors and juniors to lead the way, Upton has high hopes for his freshman class and expects some of his sophomores and freshman to challenge for a starting position.

“We have a lot of talent to work with and plenty of girls to step up and become leaders,” he said. “This team has a lot of depth at all positions and for the first time in several years we have five or six pitchers. We struggled at times this season at the plate and on the mound, but this is a hard working group of girls and I know when the season rolls around next year this team will hit.

“Ashley McBee and LeAnn Smith did a good job for us on the mound, but they were both sophomores and lacked experience. Hopefully they will be stronger next year and give us more innings and more complete games. I’m really looking forward to working with this freshman class. They did an outstanding job at the middle school and will help provide this team with a wining spirit.”

Upton and his coaching staff will be holding a camp at the high school field from May 31-June 3 from 9 a.m. until noon. Upton would like all new players to attend, as well as any girls who are looking to expand their softball skills. The cost of the camp is $40 and for more information contact coach Upton at 668-2730.