By Chris Parker
Spokane softball returns three varsity starters with many new faces looking to make an impact.
The junior battery of Abby Ayres (pitcher) and Hailie Branum (catcher) will lead the team.
“Having this duo working together for the past three seasons will be a key to our success,” Spokane head coach Marlana Byrne said. “Their communication, knowledge, and leadership on the field during practice and games will help guide and encourage our younger athletes to be confident and successful.”
Freshman Callie Terrell will throw some inning in the circle as well.
The lineup around Ayres and Branum will be a work in progress early in the season.
“With us having so many new faces and players the lineup and positions are up in the air and change on a daily basis other than our pitcher and catcher,” Byrne said.
Ayres, Terrell and freshman Lindsey Colera have shown great improvement according to Byrne.
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“Abby Ayres is improving every day with consistency and number of pitches,” Byrne said. “Some of the freshmen played for us during summer ball, and I would have to say that Callie Terrell and Lindsey Colera have made the most improvements. Callie Terrell is a strong gal and athlete. Her arm, bat speed, and pitching has improved immensely. Lindsey had never even stepped on the field prior to summer ball. I sought her out during summer weights because of her work ethic and attitude. She is a smart, athletic kid that wants to do well. She took a tee home and worked on her swing and played catch with anyone she could. She has made leaps and bounds of improvement and we will probably see her at short stop or center field because she has improved that much.”
Spokane opens the season Mar. 17 at home against Forsyth.
“We will have plenty of areas to improve on, but with that being said I am grateful for the girls that are returning and the girls that are willing to give something new a try,” Byrne said. “Hopefully we can get a middle school program up and going so that more girls can get involved before high school.”
