News

Best season in Ladycats history

By MELISSA BURNSED

GLEN ST. MARY, FL - Baker County Ladycat softball coaches and players have a lot to be proud of, as they look back on this year’s record setting season. Not only did the team compile a

24 and 4 overall record, but the Baker Ladies also brought home district and regional titles while advancing to the state Class 4A final four.

With a solid core group of athletically talented players who will be returning next year, the Ladycats sent a message to their competitors around the state that they will be a serious threat for the next few years.

Leading the Cats defense was the pitching tandem of Cami Craig and Tiffany Smith. Craig led in strikeouts and won 14 games with an ERA of 1.63. Smith, whose 10 wins included the regional championship game over Navarre, had a season ERA of .84.

At the plate, Ashley Curry had the teams hottest bat with a batting average of .495. She was followed closely by Ashley Holton with a .490 average. Holton was also the teams top long ball hitter, smashing 8 homeruns out of the park.

The experience in high pressure games gained by the skilled juniors and sophomores will be an invaluable asset to be used by Head Coach Cheryl Nunn and her staff in the future. That staff included newcomers Ashley Rodgers and Steve Houston, along with Franklin Griffis and Vanessa Roberts.

Led by Nunn, the coaching staff deserves a lot of the credit for this year's wins. They allowed the girls to develop and hone their skills and strengths, all the while providing strong leadership and hands-on coaching.

The coaching staff was on hand last week as the teams three graduating seniors were rewarded for their hard work and commitment. First baseman Caitlyn Griffis, center fielder Brittany Hanson and shortstop Jessi Nunn all signed to continue playing softball on the junior college level.

Lake Sumter Community College Head Coach Kelly Golden, from Leesburg Florida, came up for the commitment signing ceremony last Thursday at BCHS. The Lakers will be in a rebuilding mode next season and the Baker Ladies and their fans can look forward to being a major part of that effort.