Rain cools the Lady Panthers
Soggy weather spoils a red-hot season opener
By JARED PUTNAM

The Lady Panthers softball season got off to a promising start Tuesday, but unfortunately, it won't count. The j.v. squad put three runs across the plate against White County in the first inning, but heavy rain moved in during the second inning, postponing that game as well as the varsity game. Still, it is an encouraging beginning for new Head Coach Jessica Stewart.

"I felt good about [our start]," said Coach Stewart. "The other team made some errors, but we put the ball in play. I think Billie [Odom] was off to a great start. It was going to be a good day for her."

Coach Stewart said she feels like this 2006 team is a well-rounded one. "We have power and we have some girls that can hit with consistency. I think last year that was the problem, consistency. Hopefully we can change that this year," said the coach. She added that she feels the offense is strong 1-9 and that the defense has the ability to "be great."

The club has four players that will play both jv and varsity. Coach Stewart said that the whole point is for some of these jv players that will be seeing varsity playing time to go ahead and get their feet wet now.

As easy as 1-2-3. The J.V. Lady Panthers got off to a hot start Tuesday, scoring three runs in the first inning against White County. Unfortunately rain forced umpires to call the game in the second inning.

In terms of what needs to be improved, Coach Stewart said that it is still a little early to fully assess weaknesses in the team, but over the next few games, she expects to be able to recognize what areas of the team need the most work.

Asked what her goals are for the season, the coach made it clear that she has high hopes for what her squad can accomplish. "I think we should definetly go to the region tournament," said Coach Stewart. "If April Harper stays true to herself I think she will be a force in this region. I think we have a good shot." Coach Stewart said that a state tournament birth is also a possibility due to "good senior leadership."

Billie Odom winds up to deliver the pitch in the season opener against White County.