Ware County softball coach Rebecca Kirkland is in a rebuilding mode with her Lady Gator program after the graduation of 10 seniors from last year’s “Sweet 16” team.
The long-time veteran coach heads into this year with just three seniors. There are also five juniors, four sophomores and two freshmen comprising 2024 squad.
“We lost a huge part of our program with graduation last year,” Kirkland said. “It was a group of girls who came through having played together since they were very little so that was huge.”
This year’s senior class consists of Gracie Clark, Makaylen Robertson and Molly Smith, who was a starter last season. Four other players with varsity experience return. Sophomore Reagan Middleton and Kara Coleman, and juniors Kayleigh Lemay and Amberley Padgett are the returnees.
Middleton will anchor the pitching staff with Lemay also having some experience. Padgett’s game experience was as a designated player (DP) with Coleman in and out of the lineup.
“We’re (coaches) still moving a lot of people around,” said Kirkland of starting position players. “Honestly, we’re still trying to figure it out and work out the kinks. There’s going to be some bumps and bruises, but we’re getting better day-by-day and that’s the goal.
“I can see the improvement since we started at the beginning of the summer. We’ve got to continue to work on the fundamentals to get better.”
The Lady Gators’ home opener Monday, August 5 against Charlton County was cancelled due to Hurricane Debby. Ware County was scheduled to travel Wednesday (August 7) to Camden County and Thursday (August 8) to Coffee.
No makeup date has been announced for the Charlton County game.
Pitching
Middleton drew most of the game starts last year as a freshman. She’ll have help with Lemay and sophomore Mattie Forsyth.
“With a years experience under Reagan’s belt, we’re (coaches) hoping to see big things from her,” said Kirkland. “We’re also hoping for her to contribute with her bat.”
Forsyth will get most of her time pitching in jayvee action.
Catchers
Junior Kallie Lairsey is penciled in to handle the pitchers as is Jacobs.
“Ashlyn can play wherever we need her,” said Kirkland. “She’s going to give you everything she has ... there is no lack of effort.
First Base
Junior Ashlyn Jacobs seems to have the inside track to playing first with Middleton possibly handling the chores when she’s not on the mound.
Another player working in the rotation is Forysth.
Second Base
Sophomore Kara Coleman was the leading candidate to fill the spot at second base.
She is expected to miss up to six weeks with an arm injury.
Classmate Paislee Wildes and Smith are in the mix to rotate in with Coleman’s absence.
Shortstop
Freshman Ella Musgrove has worked at the position all summer with Smith providing backup.
Third Base
Padgett provides solid defense at third base.
Outfield
“At this point were playing a lot of girls in the outfield,” Kirkland said.
Fighting for playing time are Robertson, Smith, Jacobs, Lemay, junior Harmony Stevenson, Wildes, Musgrove and freshman Addison Pittman.
Region
The region will have four teams competing after New Hampstead dropped its softball program this with a lack of participation and Benedictine not having a girls’ program.
The Lady Gators will battle Perry, Warner Robins and Wayne County for playoff positioning in the state tournament.
“This is no different than any other region we’ve played in,” said Kirkland. “It’s going to be a fight. Wayne County (25-10 last year; Final Four) will be strong as usual.
“We’ve never played Perry (21-8), but I hear they’re going to be pretty strong and they (Lady Panthers) reached the ‘Elite 8’ last year. Warner Robins (11-14) is Warner Robins. I hope we can compete against those three teams.”
Kirkland said the state playoffs are returning to a best-of-three series format for the first two rounds before heading to the ‘Elite 8” portion in Columbus starting Thursday, October 30 with the championship games set for Saturday, November 2.
Coaches
Kirkland’s staff consists of Tony Wheeler, Alana Meeks and Stephanie Duck. Meeks and Duck are heading up the jayvee team.
The jayvee team is made up of Lauren Bell, Mattie Forsyth, Paislee Wildes, Darah Durrance, Londyn Young, Lilah Brooke Brown, Claira DeVane, Hannah Higginbothom, Miley James, Mia Luna-Ortiz, Emily Palm, Laney Spradley, Kenzi Sivalia, Ainsley Walton, Addison Pittman and Harmony Stevenson.
