Winning in May is all that matters to coach Gooby Martin and the Lady Pioneers, but picking up some momentum on the first day of March wasn’t a bad thing for WCHS softball.
As the team continues to progress through preseason, the Lady Pioneers were able to get a big 2-1 victory Saturday against Community in the DeKalb County playday. It completed a day that also saw the group take down Central Magnet 3-1 and fall to the host Lady Tigers 3-0.
“Pitching was pretty good yesterday,” said Martin, who is about to embark on his 11th year leading the high school program. “Defensively, I think some kids settled in. Our goal this year is to be more consistent in three phases: pitching, hitting and fielding.
“If we can continue to get better each and every time on the field – practice and games – we have a chance to be really competitive come May.”
Warren County has been in title contention in the postseason for most of the last decade, but is coming off a fourth-place finish in District 9-4A last year. The Lady Pioneers lost just two starters from last year’s team, but they happened to be vital pieces on two important places on the diamond.
“They were a big part, if not the biggest, players as the No. 1 pitcher and catcher,” said Martin, referring to Kora Forbes and Jaz Ward. “We will need girls to step up and take on that challenge this season. I look forward to the challenge and I know our girls and staff will work to put a competitive team together.”
Saturday showed that Ceilee Gudat may already be embracing the challenge in the circle. She was impressive in the victory over Community – a program that won a region championship and was one victory away from the 2A state tournament last spring.
Gudat showed an impressive command on the zone against the ViQueens, silencing the bats of the opponents as Warren County was able to pick up the win in a shortened game in Smithville.
Warren County started the year battling the brutal cold in a playday the previous week, but seemed to heat up last week in a scrimmage at Riverdale last Wednesday. Kyaira Sharpe and Kaidence Crouch each hit homers in the ‘Boro battle for the Lady Pioneers.
Returning to help solidify the lineup for the Lady Pioneers this year is senior centerfielder Ky Damon, already signed to play at Marion Military Institute next year in college, and two-time, all-district honoree Lola Wells.
Experience is also a strength for seniors Lily Rains, Callie Roberts, Addison Smith and Brooke Wilson, who have all had their names called in the starting lineup in the past. Smith is one of the team’s better power hitters, coming off a junior year where she led the team with three long balls last season.
Gudat, last year’s district newcomer of the year, and Wells highlight a junior class that also features Maria Cates and Sharpe. Crouch, Ruby Denning, Nevaeh Duggin, Amaya Martin, Aubrey Oleksik, Alexia Ross, Kaydence Tanner and Ali Young make up the sophomore class, while newcomers Brynlee Chiasm, Stella Dunn, Cortlyn Porter, Presley Winfree and Kaydence Wiser round out the roster.
Warren County is scheduled to start its season Monday, March 10 at White County. The Lady Pioneers will make their home debut Thursday, March 20 against Lincoln County.
Brent Carden photo – Seniors on the Lady Pioneers are, from left, Brooke Wilson, Callie Roberts, Addison Smith, Lily Rains and Ky Damon.