Published: August 06, 2008 10:29 am         

Prep slow-pitch softball begins this week

When asked to predict how many games his Lady Tigers will win this year, veteran Ethel High School slow-pitch softball coach Chris Terry would rather play a game. It's called: Pick a number between zero and 18.

"This is probably one of the most talented teams I've had in the 10 years I've been here," Terry said. "But, it's also the one with the least experience. We could be 0-18 or we could 18-0. I really don't know. It could go either way."

Terry said he is excited about the 14 seventh-through-ninth graders that will be battling for one of the 16 spots on the team. He said positions will still be up in the air until the team opens the season at home against J.Z. George Friday at 4:30.

"We have a lot of competition and that's good," he said.

The Lady Tigers lost two players off last year's squad — Jennifer Parker and Kenisha Merritt. Only two seniors were set to be on this year's team, but one of them — Danica Kelly — had back surgery and could be out four to six weeks.

The other, Kristi Steed, is a four-year starter at pitcher.

"We will begin the season with only five players who have ever started a high school game before," Terry said.

Joining Steed will be Morgan Adcock at first, Dominique Ferguson in the outfield, Tiera Merrill at third base and Leslie Odom either in the outfield or at second.

"The other positions are up for grabs between the 14 junior high players and three sophomores. The sophs are Myronice Alston, Kayla Bain and Reese Austin.

"Our expectations are high," Terry said. "We plan to be ready. We are working three or four players at each position just looking for the right combination."

Terry said that when Kelly returns to action, the veteran outfielder may very well be playing shortstop.

"That is one of the positions we are still working on," he said.

After the opener with J.Z. George, the Lady Tigers hit the road on Monday to face Noxapater. "We have six non-district games before we begin district play, so hopefully that will give us enough time to find out what we need to do," he said.

Assisting Terry will be Gerry Bouchillon and Kristen Ables. Last year EHS was 16-11.

Ethel plays in the six-team division with Weir, East Webster, French Camp, Nanih Waiya and McAdams. the regular season comes to a close on Oct. 2.

Terry said along with the 18 varsity games, Ethel will also play 14 junior varsity games.

The top two teams from each district make the playoffs.