The 2008 season was one of accomplishments for the Apalachee High School fast-pitch softball team.
Coach Mike Cavey’s squad finished 10-0 in subregion play followed by a third-place showing at the Region 8-AAAA tournament.
Star pitcher Courtney Gunby (now at Stetson University) graduated along with outfielder/catcher Rian Green, catcher Haley Adkins and outfielder Ashley Goley.
Still, the cupboard is not completely bare for the Lady Wildcats. Three seniors return including pitcher Katilyn Medlam, catcher/third baseman Shawnee Patterson and outfielder Mendy Henson.
Juniors Ansley Thompson (outfield), Kristin Clack (shortstop) and Mendy Henson (outfield) also return.
Top newcomers will be junior infielder Misty Duncan, junior outfielder Elizabeth Lee and freshman infielder Jordan Allen.
Cavey said Madison County should be the team to beat in the subregion this fall while overall in region play, Loganville and Heritage will be two programs to contend with.
AHS began the 2009 season last week by defeating Evans, ranked No. 6 in the state, 2-0 and then knocking off Heritage 9-3. Both games were part of a tournament hosted by South Gwinnett.
Medlam earned the win in both contests recording 10 strikeouts in each. In the opener against Evans, Medlam scattered three hits and did not allow a walk.
AHS also defeated North Gwinnett 3-0 Saturday before falling to Collins Hill 6-1 and Brookwood 6-4.
“Our girls played extremely well,” Cavey said. “Kaitlyn went 3-1 over the weekend, and her one loss was really my fault. She pitched great and our hitters did an outstanding job of putting the ball in play at key moments of the game. We defeated a strong Evans team, a good Heritage team, and a strong North Gwinnett team. We pitched a freshman against Collins Hill, and Ashley Gunter did a great job.”
Of the six runs allowed during the weekend, only one was earned.
