By Chris Parker
Cabool softball has an experienced core returning this season with seven starters and nine upperclassmen on the roster.
“They have played together long enough they can read each other,” Cabool head coach Sharon Monter said. “Leadership will come from the upperclassmen. With nine upperclassmen and a solid core of veteran stability, leadership is not lacking.”
Junior Bristol McCall and senior Emily Mayberry will be the team’s pitchers.
“Bristol McCall has worked hard in the off-season. Her pitching is stronger and faster overall. We will lean on her a lot. She has the experience and skills to get the job done,” Monter said. “Emily has pitched for three years. She is a great relief pitcher. She has worked hard and added some new pitches and has increased her speed as well. She will fill the role of third base and pitcher.”
Junior Paige Moore and sophomore Raeah Shelton will handle catching duties.
“This will be Paige’s third year catching. She has great glove, and she and Bristol have a great chemistry. She has improved on throw downs and look to see her bat in the four hole this year,” Monter said. “Raeah will see some time behind the plate. She caught JV last year but got injured. Glad to have her back and healthy.”
Cambree Woodard enters her fourth year as a starter at first base. Abbigail Gravens and Ahsha Fleming will handle second base. Mayberry will be at third. Third-year returning letter winner Jordanna Atkins will be at shortstop or in centerfield. Elizabeth Stewart is a four-year returning letter winner and will play right field.
“We are a small school. We share are athletes with a variety of clubs and organizations in the spring. Games and positions can look different week-to-week. We have to be prepared for that as coaches and players,” Monter said.
Cabool opens the season on Mar. 19 at Gainesville
“I think teams will underestimate us, and I look forward to the girls surprising some of the teams,” Monter said.
