By Chris Parker
Humansville graduated six seniors from last season’s squad that finished 9-14 overall.
Coach Miranda Chaney sees that as an opportunity for her 2019 squad.
“I think graduating six seniors will help the team’s drive. We know we have a lot of spots to fill and players need to step up,” Chaney said. “Freshmen to seniors will be competing for these spots which has motivated us to work hard over the summer knowing all positions are available for whoever wants to work the hardest.”
All of the pitchers from last season have graduated leaving senior Lacey Swearingin to do the majority of the pitching. It will be her first season in the circle after playing first base her first three seasons. Freshman Maliah Kenney will also pitch for the Lady Tigers.
Senior catcher Jahnna Essex is the lone returning starter who will play the same position as last year. Classmate Alex Hopkins has been a utility player for Humansville and one of the better hitters for the Lady Tigers.
Katelyn Hoskins and Sophie Gann give Chaney two more seniors to lean on. Hoskins took last season off, but will look to return and start at third base this year. Gann could see time in both the infield and outfield.
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Juniors Jade Parker and Mikayla Sponder will round out the upperclassmen. Parker will be playing her first season of softball. Sponder starter multiple games in the outfield last year.
Chaney has a host of freshmen poised to make an impact. In addition to Kenney, Kayci Payne (infield), Mia Pratt (outfield) and Bailey Willard will all vie for varsity innings.
All of this turnover will have the Lady Tigers looking to gather a solid footing early in the schedule.
“We are new to positions we will have to be coachable and ready to learn,” Chaney said. “We will be young and new, we might take some time in the beginning of the season to get comfortable but hope to be competing after we settle into spots.”
Humansville opens the season on Sept. 3 at Dadeville.
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