By Chris Parker
Macks Creek softball will be looking for a bounce-back season behind eight returning starters. The Lady Pirates finished with three wins last season.
Look for freshman Brooklyn Downing and Ashlee Klinksick in the circle pitching. Senior Lahnae Lewis and freshman Eva Wills will handle catching duties.
Downing will be an immediate impact player.
“Her (Downing’s) addition changes the game exponentially,” Macks Creek head coach Laurie Jones said.
The infield will feature India Wills (junior), Savannah Leach (junior), Nevaeh Dorrell (junior), Ava Willis (freshman), Shae Seaton (sophomore) and Cami Moulder (sophomore).
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The outfield will be comprised of Brooklyn Green (freshman), Kassidy Campbell (sophomore), Morgan Buck (sophomore), Cameron Kates (senior), Ell Marshall (freshman) and Madison Stoner (freshman).
Jones is looking to see improvement offensively and in the outfield defensively.
“Improvement in hitting and base running is our concentration,” Jones said. “Outfield is my project this season as head coach. It gets a bad rap, and I love a strong outfield. I told the girls they will improve and help get outs for defense this season.”
Macks Creek opens the regular season on Aug. 25 at Laquey.
“We are expecting to keep growing in our knowledge and physical abilities in this incredible game of softball,” Jones said. “We set goals at every game for improvement (what to work toward and what to get better at during practice.) I always tell them ‘This is a game of failure, but we use that to improve! You’re only as good as your next at bat, defensive play or your next pitch. Then it’s on to the next one!”
