Lady Wolves' roster is deep with talent in 2020
WESSON, Miss. - Coming off one of the most successful seasons in Co-Lin's illustrious softball history with a 31-17 record and an NJCAA Region XXIII tournament berth, the Lady Wolves are geared to make another splash in the MACJC in 2020 with more experience and another talented roster under the leadership of second-year head coach Meleah Howard.
"Last year was very eye-opening because it was much more competitive than I remembered," said former Co-Lin player and now head coach Howard. "The league has advanced more than I had realized, but the expectation has been set for Co-Lin. The bar has been raised and our players and recruits now know what to expect of our program."
The Lady Wolves were strong in numerous categories last season with 26 home runs, 100 stolen bases, and .400 team slugging percentage, but with a deeper roster, the Lady Wolves can improve on numerous things.
"This year we have more versatility. We have power, speed, and several girls that are triple threats that can bunt, hit, and slap," said Howard. "Our philosophy is still the same, we just have more options and more numbers on the roster so there will be a lot of healthy competition within the team."
The Lady Wolves boast a roster of 22 players, but just seven are returning sophomores with 15 freshmen. This youthfulness brings energy and excitement to the squad that is very valuable to the team as a whole.
"These younger girls are going to be getting a lot of time," said Howard. "They all bring a lot of energy and competition to the team, which lifts all of our players."
Last season saw stellar performances in the circle from Kaytlon Ward, Makenzie Smith, and Mackenzie Gros with a team ERA of just 2.21 and 211 strikeouts, but much like other positions on the team, the Lady Wolves have even more depth in 2020.
"We have four very strong arms that can come in and pitch at any time," Howard said. "We know that with Ward that we have a player that can go the distance if needed, but having cushion behind her for when we get in jams is a big help."
Defensively Co-Lin fielded .925 last season, but once again a deep roster with talent throughout points to improvement this facet.
"We are as solid as ever in the field," said Howard. "We look to make every routine play and then some. I also want to see an increase in our double-plays, and we have four catchers on the roster so that is a tremendous benefit to us."
Offensively the Lady Wolves have several big bats returning to the lineup.
Katelyn Hayman, a Clinton native, led the Lady Wolves in batting average and the most at-bats last season with an impressive .356 average and .526 slugging percentage in 135 plate appearances which earned her MACJC Second Team All-State. The athletic leader and outfielder is expected to pick up right where she left off.
Marley Poole brings another experienced bat to the team after driving in 25 RBIs as a freshman and earning MACJC First Team All-State honors. The Loyd Star High School graduate will be another leader in the dugout and on the field that will keep players in check and bring a lot of energy.
April Lynn had limited at-bats as a freshman but still drove in four RBIs. The speedy outfielder is back on the roster and has the ability to have a breakout sophomore season.
Ky'Albri Washington brings a ton of power to the dish and will provide a big stick after posting a .429 slugging percentage as a freshman. The Northeast Jones product brings a ton of energy to the dugout and is known as the team cheerleader.
Delaine McMillan, a solid middle infield glove, is back and looks to improve on her freshman numbers. The Laurel native has a lot of pop in her bat and a lot of potential.
Carly Polk, a quick-footed, graceful outfielder returns for her sophomore campaign. As a freshman, she drove 10 runs and hopes to perform at an even higher level this season.
Joining these experienced players is a host of freshmen and one new sophomore to the team.
Sophomore Darien Tubby, Co-Lin's starting point guard on the basketball team, will bring her talent to the diamond in 2020 and hopes to bring a consistent bat to the lineup. The versatile athlete can play infield or outfield and looks to make an immediate impact.
Maddux Kirkland, a Lawrence County High School graduate, is a tough utility player that can use her sheer athletism to play all parts of the field. The hard-nosed, gritty player is willing to do whatever is need to make a play.
Baileigh Jackson is a Bogue Chitto native and will be immediately be fighting for a starting position. The versatile player can be utilized at catcher, first, or third base and strives to excel in all areas of the game.
Carlon Brabham, from Amite, La., is another catcher and infield player that brings a lot of power to the plate with her bat. Behind the plate, the freshman is very swift has the ability to block balls.
Macy Brabham, a Meadville native, is a vocal leader on and off the field that is always encouraging and uplifting. The athletic freshman looks to fill a middle infield role.
Julianna Johnson is another Lawrence County High School graduate that is always working to improve in all areas of the game. The quick outfielder gives 100 percent at all times and looks to make a big impact on the roster.
Molly Davis, from Philadelphia, is listed as a utility player due to her athletic ability to play anywhere on the diamond. Throughout the fall she has worked on slap hitting and hopes to utilize her speed.
Karly Leake, another athletic utility player, strives for excellence in the game. The Bogue Chitto native is willing to put in as much work is needed and is extremely competitive.
Leah Beth Luckey, a Simpson Academy graduate, is a hard-working outfielder that always hustles. The freshman also brings a really good bat to the lineup.
Johnna Norman is a very strong, talented third baseman from Brookhaven. The Loyd Star grad expects to make an impact on the roster quickly.
Abigail Carter, another former Simpson Academy player, is another versatile player that will see action at catcher, first, and third base. The freshman has a great swing and brings a solid bat to the team.
Meagan Poole, Marley's sister, is a fast, athletic player from Loyd Star High School. Her athletic ability allows her to play anywhere and she has improved dramatically over the fall and is expected to only get better.
"Having so many talented players is great for this team," said Howard. "I will have much more thought about who will start this season because each player brings so much to the table. We are so even across the board, playing time and starters are going to be based on their performances."
Kaytlon Ward of Grant, La., looks to lead the pitching staff after posting a 1.91 ERA and striking out 125 players to just 47 walks as a freshman. Her efforts landed her MACJC First Team All-State recognition. Her command, confidence, and mound presence bring a lot of energy to the team, and she looks to be a leader throughout the season.
Joining Ward are three freshmen arms that add depth and even more vigor to the Lady Wolves' staff.
Alexis Garoutte is a hard-throwing right-hander from Alexandria, La. Whether she is starting or entering the game in relief Garoutte can change the pace of the game.
Karlie Johnson of Liberty brings a lot of movement to the circle. She had several strong fall innings and has a very strong mound presence.
Bella Luckey, a righty from Simpson Academy, is another player that provides great movement on the ball that can change the game for the Lady Wolves. Like others on the staff, she is comfortable in the circle and shows confidence.
The Lady Wolves lost several players to graduation last year, with Julie Scheuermann as the only four-signee as she inked with Delta State University.
Howard is joined by assistant coach Drake Flowers who served as a volunteer assistant during last year's playoff run. The duo brings years of coaching experience and leadership to the team.
"I've enjoyed this team so far this year, they are fun, energetic, and have a lot of passion for the game," said Howard. "I am really looking forward to the season and believe that we have the ability to do just as good or better than last year's squad. To do better, we need good team chemistry and just have to find the right formula on the field."
With several solid bats returning to the lineup, a stellar pitcher that led the Lady Wolves a year ago, and 15 new faces that bring talent to every position on the field, the Co-Lin Lady Wolves are set for another exciting year on the diamond in 2020.