Local News - April 2003

Freshmen filling in well for LHS, West soft ball

MIDSEASON REPORT

TERRANCE THOMAS, LTN Staff Writer

The Lincolnton and West Lincoln softball teams have reached the halfway point of the season.

Both teams are still in good shape to make a playoff run.

They’ve gotten there because freshmen and sophomores have come through with solid play in key positions.

Lincolnton, one of the better teams in the Midwest Conference, has relied on sophomore Santana Edwards as its main pitchers.

“Santana is doing a good job on the mound for her first year as pitcher,” LHS coach Ann Anderson said. “She’s doing an excellent job and is getting stronger. She has good speed. I look for good things from her.”

Edwards has helped the Lady Wolves shoot out to a 3-1 league mark.

Behind Edwards is basically a new infield that Anderson said “is starting to jell.”

Freshmen Ale Arce (third base) and Jesica McJunkin (second) make up the infield with returning players, first baseman Ashlea Farley and shortstop Lindsey Sain.

“Ale is doing well and learning the position,” Anderson said. “She’s not afraid of (taking on the challenges of third base in softball). Jessica McJunkin played short in JV. It’s a different position for her.”

As far as the team is concerned, the biggest problem is hitting and getting the clutch hit with people on base, Anderson said.

LHS hopes to get its hitting on track when it hosts rival West Lincoln Thursday.

West is not getting hits like it wants, either.

But the Lady Rebels’ pitching is coming along well with freshman Shaina Bright.

“She’s a pretty good ball player all-around,” West coach Allen Hoyle said.

Freshman Sara Peeler and sophomore Katie Davis make up the pitching staff.

Peeler is trying to become the team’s main shortstop. Right now, Hoyle said several players have played the position.

He has so many young players who are on the team. Hoyle’s starting an outfield entirely of freshmen. With that comes growing pains.

“We have a couple of players that will be good next year,” he said. “I see a big difference. We’re starting to settle in as a decent team, but we’re still making mistakes.”

 For this team to make a run, its veteran players must lead the way.

So far, junior third baseman Charlye Godfrey, catcher Lauren Mosteller and first baseman Paula Jarrett have been playing well to make the Lady Rebels a competitive team.

The Lady Rebels will get a chance to play under the lights for their first time at home Friday in a JV-varsity doubleheader against Bunker Hill.

“They are excited about it,” Hoyle said. “All of their parents can see them play. I feel great about it. I think it’s a big thing for the program.”

© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

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