Published: March 26, 2008 10:24 pm            

Eastern softball preview

The Comets’ run of sectional championships ended at eight last season but Eastern enjoyed a strong year, boasting a 22-6 record.

Those 22 victories were often tense, so to have another strong season, Eastern is working on hitting. The Comets relied on pitcher Tristan Dykes a little more than coach Jerry Haines wanted last season. Dykes was reliable, posting a 22-6 record with an ERA of 0.39. She fanned 235 batters and had 18 shutouts.

“If she can just match last year, I’ll be really happy,” Haines said of his senior hurler. “I feel sorry for her because a lot of games, she’s out there protecting a 0-0 tie. I’d love to get a few more runs earlier in the game to make it easier on her and me. I’ve been working hard on hitting [this spring] because I’d like it to be a little easier on my nerves.”

Senior Anna Maddox, a four-year contributor, is back to catch. Senior Kirby Kendall and sophomore Meghan Thomas can also pitch. Sophomore Brookelyn Smith and sophomore Alannah Coles can back up Maddox.

“Our strength is our all-state pitcher [Dykes] is back with her all-conference catcher [Maddox] and that’s the first thing you look for in how strong you’re going to be,” Haines said. “They’ve worked pretty much all winter so they’re ready to take the field.”

In the infield, junior Jessica Rainey moves from the outfield to first base, backed up by sophomore Kristen Dean. Brookelyn Smith moves from outfield to second, backed up by sophomore Lauren Stout. Senior Kaitlyn Smith is at shortstop with sophomore Amanda Julius on standby. Junior Lyndsi Pence returns at third, backed up by sophomore Kyli Wise.

In the outfield, junior Regan Cole is in left. Sophomore Morgan Harden and junior Sarah Dykes share time in center and senior Sara Horner is in right.

Horner is the top candidate to lead off. The lefty drag bunt/slap hitter racked up an on-base percentage of .417 last season. Pence, a good sacrifice bunter, is slotted to hit second after batting .316 last year. Rainey, who leads the offensive returnees after hitting .324 last season, will likely bat third.

After that, power hitters Maddox, Brookelyn Smith and Cole form the heart of the order. Kendall will be the DH when Tristan Dykes pitches.

Eastern lost the right side of its infield and replaces a right fielder but Haines expects the new combination to flourish.

“We’ve got good strong replacements for the girls that we lost,” he said. “Fortunately, the left side of the infield is intact as well as our catcher, which is a real big help. Anna Maddox is a four-year starter… and she’s the one that leads the defense. She’s going to be a good team leader back there.”

As a result, Haines hopes to field another heavyweight squad.

“I certainly would like to match our record last year or better it,” Haines said. “I think this team should be as good as the team last year. That’s a pretty high goal but that would be what we want.

        

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