Last year, in their inaugural season, the Lady Eagles of East Jackson accomplished probably more than most fans expected from their first year of high school softball.
The team recorded 23 wins overall, six losses and one tie. The Eagles were undefeated in region play and came home as the region champions after defeating North Oconee in the Region tournament.
That’s going to be a tough act to follow.
Head coach Jason Rainey, however, thinks the Eagles will be up to the task. He said his team looks good in practice with just over a week to go before their season opener at home against Clarke Central.
“Most of our players have been playing travel ball, so they came out here ready to go,” he said. “They’re looking good. Our returning girls had a good practice (Sunday), and it’s great when we see that.”
Most of the 2007 team is returning, but the Lady Eagles are entering 2008 without three key starters. Ace pitcher Hayley Leissner, shortstop Marley Pullian and second baseman Chelsea Kyst all graduated last year.
But, Rainey said he feels the team will be as good as last year.
“It’s going to be hard to play as well and to have as good of a record in every game as last year, but I don’t see any reason why we should drop off,” he said.
With the absence of Leissner, Pullian and Kyst, Rainey said he’ll be looking towards his seniors to step up into leadership roles.
“Autumn Wilbanks, she played third base last year. Abby Woodall played some last year, and she’ll play shortstop this year. Caitlin Hill, a new girl here, is a senior. She’s shown some (leadership skills) already. I also expect some of the younger players to jump up there too. We have a lot of experience back, and that changes everything.”
With the team coming off of a great first season, Rainey said that puts some high expectations and pressure on this year’s team that they will have to learn to deal with.
“That’s something they haven’t seen a lot of, with last year being our first year,” Rainey said. “After being inexperienced and doing so well, there’s going to be a lot of pressure on them from outside the dugout to do well. That’s going to be the toughest thing for them to handle. They’re still kids and they’re still young.”
Right now Rainey said his team is focusing on the basics.
“We’re just working on our fundamentals and trying to improve from there,” he said. “Last year, we were young and inexperienced. I think this year we’ll progress a little. I think we can just get better in general.”
With just over a week before the first pitch of the 2008 softball season, Rainey said he and his team are just ready to get things rolling.
“We’re basically ready to get playing,” he said. “Our schedule is pretty brutal, so we’re ready to get started.”
The Lady Eagles will open their sophomore season on Aug. 15 with a home stand against Clarke Central. Last year, East Jackson faced the Gladiators twice, winning both times.
The first pitch next Friday is scheduled for 5 p.m.
