JSCC Lady Pioneers anxiously await the 2009 season
Jefferson State
2/2/2009

Jefferson State Lady Pioneers anxiously await the 2009 season

The Jefferson State Lady Pioneers anxiously await the start of the 2009 season. The Pioneers who had a 33-26-1 record last spring return six starters to this year’s lineup and have high hopes of where their season will end. With the addition of three standout freshman to complete the defensive roster, the Lady Pioneers are ready to improve on last years mark and win the last game this spring.

The Pioneers entire infield returns with the exception of the catcher position. Sophomore Scottie Wilkes who led last years team in Slugging Percentage (.497) Doubles (16) and Base on Balls (26) will move from first base to behind the plate to fill the catchers position and incoming Freshman Fallon Whitley, a three time Hueytown State Champion, will play first base. To complete the infield Jennifer Bradshaw, who led the team in At Bats (175) Batting Average (.360) Hits (63) and RBI’s (36), returns to third base eager to improve on last seasons results. Whitely Collins returns to her position at second base where she played near errorless ball during the 2008 season. Whitley along with teammate Yessinia Zavala worked hard in the off season both on the field and in the weight room to add speed and strength to their game. Whitley led the team this fall with a batting average of .425. Kimber Scott returns to Short Stop where she started all 60 games last year for the Lady Pioneers. Kimber, who also led the team in runs scored (33) and Home Runs (4), had surgery during the fall break to repair an injured hand and is now 100% and ready to fill her duties as the team’s shortstop. Kimber has signed a letter of intent to play at Auburn University Montgomery to continue her studies and play softball next fall. Returning to the mound for the Lady Pioneers is Sophomore Alisha Smith who last year led the team with 17 wins and 125 strikeouts. Sophomore Rebecca Stephenson, who led last years team in Hit by Pitch(11) and Sacrifices(12) will anchor the outfield in center field and will be flanked by two standout Freshman Carol Ann McIntyre and Samantha Johnson. Alisha's play during the fall was solid on the mound earning the respect and confidence of her teammates. After shutting out the University of Alabama-Birmingham 4-0 giving up only four hits, Alisha caught the eye of UAB coach Marla Townsend who in turn recruited her and has since signed a letter of intent to play softball at UAB in the fall of 2009.

Also, returning to the pitching rotation is Sophomore Breanna Segars who led the team with an ERA of 2.61 only allowing 37 ER's in 99 innings pitched. Sophomore pitcher's Heather Mitchell and Kristin Donahoo return to the roster and lineup after sitting out their entire freshman season due to injuries. Shanna Housh, who saw limited action last year playing behind two sophomore catchers, returns as the backup catcher and worked hard this fall to add strength and speed to her game. Nikki Thomas third year sophomore shortstop, also returns after sitting out last season with a season ending shoulder injury. Nikki worked hard thru the summer and fall to regain her speed and strength and is battling for a spot in this year’s lineup.

Incoming Freshman Somer Boyd and Brittany Mitchell join the team as backup catchers and will see time behind the plate this spring. Ashley Smith, Laquinreka Southward and Brandy Worden will vie for playing time in the outfield. Ashley and Brandy are coming off AHSAA State Championship seasons and will add depth and experience in the outfield. Amanda Talley and Jordan Ray round out the pitchers and are eager to earn a spot in the pitching rotation.

Overall, the Lady Pioneers return a plethora of experience and leadership and along with the incoming freshman have set their goals high and plan to be in the championship game at the ACCC tournament this spring.