Senior squad lifts Jasper's chances in tough district
By GEORGIA PURDY

THE JASPER LADY BULLDOG VARSITY softball squad are, front row, (left to right), Laura Fincannon, Haley Walker, Emily Seale, Jesse Cardova. Back row, left to right, coach Carla Geeslin,Abby Dickerson, Lizzy White, LaQuena Bronson, Keyna Mason, Shannon Clark, head coach Nancy Walker.

Softball teams open their regular season this week and Jasper varsity coach Nancy Walker says she has more seniors than she has ever had. They look forward to a good season despite a tough district.

"Our district this year is going to be very tough and competitive," Walker said. "Most of the teams in our district went to the first round of the playoffs last year. We are going to have to have a very strong defense and be very aggressive offensively. "

Walker will be assisted by two new coaches- Carla Geeslin and Jeremy Carrol. Geeslin will help with pitching. She has experience from both high school and college. Carrol will work with the outfielders.

Varsity starting lineup

Shannon Clark, senior; left field. Clark is a twoyear varsity player and one of the faster players on the team. She is currently the lead-off batter.

Abby Dickerson, senior; center field. Dickerson is a three-year varsity veteran. She is in the second spot in the batting order.

"Abby is fast and will help us out on the bases with her quickness," Walker said.

Laura Fincannon, senior, third base. Fincannon is a three-year varsity player who bats fifth.

Emily Seale, senior; second base. Seale is a twoyear veteran who will also play outfield. Walker says she expects "good things" from her this year.

Haley Walker, senior; catcher. Walker is a fouryear varsity letterman. She will bat in the third hole. Walker is quick and a good base runner.

Lizzy White, senior; first base. White is a threeyear veteran and she will be counted on to help out in the batting lineup since she is a strong hitter.

Keyna Mason, junior; short stop. Mason played in the outfield last year and did a great job. Walker says she is also doing a good job at short stop. She is a two-year varsity player.

Jesse Cordova, junior; pitcher. Walker says she has come a long way since her freshman year.

"She is working with coach Geeslin on her pitching skills," Walker said. "She had a great fall season and we expect good things for the spring."

Quena Bronson, junior; outfield and second base. Bronson is new on the team this year.

"This is a great group of kids," Walker said. "They work hard at practice on their skills and I feel like we have the girls that really want to play softball."

Junior varsity team

Members of the junior varsity team are Carli Huffman, Michelle Wallace, Britney Bronson, Reba Dougharty, Shelby Griffin, Britney Shaw, Britney Bozeman, Chanel Lewis, Stormie Shivers, Murissa Mays, Britney Goff and Lyndsay Bowers.

New facility

The girls are excited about their new dressing room facility where they have enough room to lift weights and do conditioning exercises.

"Michael Huffman, JV player Carlie Huffman's dad, helped get the lockers built and he did a great job, Walker said. "We have a few more things to get done but we are enjoying the roomy area."

Upcoming tournament

The Lady Bulldogs big fund-raising event is their annual tournament which will be Feb. 22, 23, and 24. There are 28 teams entered.

The public is invited to watch the games and feast on barbeque, boudin and sausage from the concession stand. Walker said they would deliver meals. Orders may be placed by calling the ballpark at 382- 1119.