Hartsville Lady Red Foxes softball preview
By: Don Gearhart
A 24-5 season is what is expected of the Lady Red Foxes. Repeating that performance which included Region and District Championships and losing two 1-run games to North Augusta in the Lower State Championship, almost comes across as a given. The Lady Red Foxes return six starters and only two of those are seniors. Plugging the middle of the field is Coach Amber Harvey’s greatest challenge since losing star pitcher Alyssa Poston, catcher Olivia Martin, and center fielder Kindon Dawson. Poston is now playing for Mars Hill University and Martin is a member of the Winthrop University squad. All is not doom and gloom, however. Senior transfers Trinity Davis and Tatum Weaver are expected to fill some of the gaps. The left side of the infield remains intact with slugger Caydon Thompson manning the hot corner and Myah Harvey returning at shortstop. Avarie Easters will give up her position at second base to replace Martin behind the plate. Davis and Weaver will see time in the outfield if not on the mound. Hartsville opens play in the Pee Dee Pitchoff at Freedom Florence on March 3-4 and hosts Darlington in the first regular season game on March 8. Harvey is assisted by Tommy Garrison, Heber Watson, and Richie Wallace.
Roster:
Allie Bailey So P, 1B
Abbey Byrd Fr OF
Trinity Davis Sr P, OF
Avarie Easters Sr Utility
Myah Harvey Fr SS, 2B
Emma Kate Hudson 8th 2B
Sydney Matthews 8th 2B
Jaysha McCullough So OF
Jamarria Pendergrass Jr OF
Carter Shumate So 1B
Caydon Thompson Sr 3B, 1B
Mariah Weatherford Jr OF
Tatum Weaver Sr P, OF