CREATING A PLAN
The Calhoun Lady Warhawks plan to build on last year?s success (43-15-1) as they prepare for their 6th season of fastpitch softall competition. The plan for success has never waivered even thought the team has faced some unpleasant health issues. The team rallied around Coach Keenum in the fall season as she faced radiation treatments. The team wore t-shirts to celebrate the final day of treatment and constitution of ?Man, I love it when a plan comes together.? Unfortunately, returning ACCC Regional All-Tournament Player, Kristy Pevahouse, is foregoing her final season of eligibility due to 2nd major knee injury. The third circumstance facing the Lady Warhawks is lack of outdoor practice time due to 8 inches of snow during first week of official practice.
With a solid group of sophomores returning and a strong freshman class, the Lady
Warhawks have set their sights high to make the plan come together in the finals of the ACCC Regional Tournament and secure a trip to Utah for the NJCAA National Tournament. Returning pitcher Rachel Keeton (16-8) will anchor an improved freshman laden pitching staff. Stephanie Swanson, an Alabama Sports Writer Super 10 Selection, will not only attempt to prevent runs and will be looked on to help score from the batter?s box. Samantha Thorpe and Tasha Horne?s pitching style will compliment Keeton and Swanson to make this year?s staff one of the strongest in Lady Warhawk history.
The infield will be the bring the most experience to the team with third baseman, Courtney McDonald, and All-Division shortstop, Anna Hall returning. Haley Maxwell will be the backup at third. All-Division Andrea Nolen will see action at all the infield positions and will add more depth in the outfield. There will be some new faces on the right side of the infield as Amy Anderson and Rachel Norton battle for playing time at first base. Both will see their names in the Designated player hitters position in the lineup. Returning utility player Kaitlyn Lowrey returns after a season ending ankle injury to help out at second base and in right field. Slapper Lauren Bivens will also compete for playing time at second. Ashley Balch will guide the defense from behind the plate with Freshman Ashlee Beggs pushing her for playing time.
The outfield positions are the biggest question mark for the Lady Warhawks with the loss of the two All-Region players to graduation. No one has established themselves as the everyday player. Vying for playing time will be December 2010 Bob Jones High graduate, Emily Payne, speedsters Kayla Dean and Staci Johnson, and power hitter Bryonna Jackson. Brittany Reed and Katie Annerton will see action in the corners of the outfield. Tasha Horne is expected to play outfield when not on the mound.
This seasons schedule will see the Lady Warhawks spending Spring Break in Central Florida as they complete against some of Florida?s most outstanding teams, Santa Fe CC, Hillsborough CC, and St. Petersburg CC.
The real challenge for the plan to unfold is how quickly the freshman adapt to the intensity of the college game and how the sophomores respond to their new leadership roles on the field. Gaining confidence in the pre-conference season will be a must for the Lady Warhawks to see how and when the ?plan really does come together.?
ACCC STATS
