The Jefferson State Lady Pioneers have set their sights
Jefferson State
2/2/2010

The Jefferson State Lady Pioneers have set their sights

The Jefferson State Lady Pioneers have set their sights on returning to the ACCC Championship Game later this spring at Veterans Park in Alabaster. The Lady Pioneers finished the season last year with 28-21 record and only return 2 starters. The Pioneers will replace their entire infield with freshman who will have their work cut out for them if they plan to reach the championship game again this year.

Sam Johnson returns to her position in right field with a returning team high batting average of .333, 2 doubles, 2 triples and 5 stolen bases. Carol Ann McIntyre, played left field, center field and third base last year hit .267 with 4 doubles, a home run and had 4 stolen bases. Sumer Boyd is the only sophomore catcher returning and had only 4 AB last year and an on base percentage of .200. Ashley Smith shared playing time with McIntyre returns to left field. Smith batted .234 last year and looks to make an impact for the Pioneers this spring. Also returning is Brandy Worden saw playing time in the outfield and at first base. Worden has worked hard over the fall to get her bat where it needs to be and is prepared to play in several positions for the Pioneers this spring. Three sophomore pitchers return with the addition of one Mississippi Community College transfer to bring the total to four Sophomore pitchersvying for playing time on the mound. Heather Mitchell returns for her third season after sitting out her first spring with a shoulder injury. Mitchell had a good fall season as is looking to factor in the rotation this spring. Jordan Ray and transfer Nicole Singleton have worked hard in the off season and fall and are also looking for a spot in the pitching rotation. Amanda Talley returns to the mound for the Pioneers and posted a 1.47 era with a 7-5 record in 2009. Talley and former player Kristin Donahoo finished out the regular since last year posting a 9-1 record to win the Central Conference. Talley will need to come out strong and set the tone early if she wants to duplicate the 2009 season. Incoming freshman Mollie Russell from Decatur is looking to factor in this sophomore rotation and make a big impact with a hot fastball and off speed pitches. Freshman Kristen Gibson a catcher from Oneonta, saw a lot of playing time this fall, looks to make an impact with her bat at the plate. Incoming Freshmen Lucy Lamb, Mandi Headrick, Brandy Rushing, Tina Taylor, Melanie Franks and Katie Haisten will all see plenty of playing time in the infield this spring. Defensively they all preformed well this past fall and it will most likely come done to who has the hot bat to determine their positions on the infield. Micala Tramell, a freshman was a solid performer this fall, batted .250 will start in one of the outfield positions. Freshmen Arielle Juarez, returning Sophomore Reka Southward, and incoming Freshman Kayla Wigley are looking to find playing time in the outfield this spring. Wigley will split time in the outfield and behind the plate as a catcher. Freshman Erica Truitt and Jessie Wade will start the season off as bullpen catchers and could work their way on the field later in this spring.

Overall this spring the Pioneers are a very young team and will need a few good wins early to build the confidence and should peak in time for conference play. The Pioneers are counting on the pitching strength and the potential they have at the plate to carry them back to the ACCC Championship Game.