Returnees hold the key for the success of the Eupora slow-pitch softball team this season.
Head coach Amir Hunt said he has seven starters back from last year’s squad after Alley Reed, Jameelah Marshall and Kylie Richardson graduated.
Coming back are Marleigh Abbott, Addison Mason, Rylee Brooke Crowell, Haylee McCrory, Haley Farley, Patience Bingham and Meleah Pogue..
“I think we have got another chance to have a fun season,” Hunt said. “I’m not saying we are going to win every game but I think it can be a fun season. We lost three really good player and are not going to replace them but try to find the best combination of players to put in those spots.”
Hunt said he has several players who could fill the three spots lost to graduation.
“I’ve got about six or seven girls for those three spots and all of them are going to get a shot at it,” Hunt said. “Hopefully, we can find the best 10-11 girls that we have and try to win those division games and make the playoffs. It’s not going to be a deal where you play just because you are a senior. We are going to find the best 10-11 but we will mix the lineup up to start the season.”
While at press time the Lady Eagles had yet to take the field, he likes his chances with the new softball.
“It’s going to level the playing field,” Hunt said. “Some of those teams that hit a bunch of home runs aren’t going to do that this year. I think that helps us because we didn’t hit a ton of home runs. We will base hit people and play defense. I think it will give us a chance against the teams that do hit a bunch of home runs. I’m anxious to see how the season plays out with the new ball.”
Eupora was set to host Louisville on Monday, before beginning a four game road trip on Tuesday with a trip to Vardaman. EHS was set to visit New Hope on Aug. 15 and Louisville on Aug. 19.
