Bob Jones softball newcomers ready for title run
Annabell Smith pitched a complete game in the home opener
(RECORD PHOTO/ LINDSAY VAUGHT)
MADISON- Bob Jones’ softball team finally got to take the home field Thursday night after weeks of rain and snow postponements and two tough road tournaments.
The Patriots jumped out to a 4-0 lead over Florence and held on for a 7-4 win as the player’s celebrated coach Kent Chambers 800th career coaching win.
Bob Jones is now 6-5 and ranked #6 in the first ASWA poll of the season.
After winning 47 games last year and finishing third at the state championship tournament, the Patriots find themselves with newcomers up and down the lineup.
After dominating their area the last two seasons, they now are in the toughest area in the state with defending state champion and #1 Sparkman and #5 Hazel Green. But with three straight championship tournament appearances, Chambers knows what it takes.
Despite losing five position starters and the top pitcher, Bob Jones will have one of their deepest and most balanced teams.
Chambers says among the new faces in the lineup he is looking for “consistency. Some of the new players on the varsity are just getting used to 6A pitching. They will have a great at bat and the pitcher will make adjustments and they are not used to that. They have to get used to coaches scouting their hitting and pitching to their weakness.”
Cheyenne Beacraft is one of the new faces and responded against Florence with a 2-run homer in the fourth inning to put Bob Jones up 4-0. Another new starter is Kaylee Rose at second base. The only sophomore on the team, Rose went 1-2 against Florence.
Cheyenne Beacraft socked a 2-run homer (RECORD PHOTO/ LINDSAY VAUGHT)
Returning starter Sydney Booker has moved from third to shortstop and Angela Jolliffe has moved to third base. Jolliffee also pitches but this year will be in the lineup every game. She had two hits against Florence. Booker had a two-run double.
First base is still up for grabs with Megan O’Rourke and Avey Gooch working there. UNA-signee Amy Carden moves to centerfield and Sky Simmons is in left. Alyssa Worden returns at catcher and Annabelle Smith moves into the #1 pitcher spot.
“We’re trying to figure out who needs to play what positions,” Chambers said. “We’ve had a different lineup for 10 games. We’ve been hitting during that stretch and that is keeping us going. Our defense will keep getting better.”
“We’re excited to finally get on the field and start area play next week.”
With seven seniors on the roster Chambers said there is a possibility of up to two more signing to play college softball.
“There are a couple more players getting interest. They will have to decide if they want to take it or not.”
Tuesday March 12 the Patriots host Buckhorn in their first area game and two days later don the pink jerseys against James Clemens as they host the annual Breast Cancer Awareness Game.
