SOFTBALL: Capsule previews on 7 county teams

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on March 13, 2015 1:48 PM

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C.B. Aycock High School

Location: Pikeville

Mascot: Golden Falcons

Conference: Eastern Carolina 3-A/4-A

Head coach: Emily Burke

2014 record: 21-5

Returning players: 9 -- Allison Shingleton (U/DH), Mackenzie Wheeler (IF/P), Madison Walton (SS/1B), Abbie Walton (C/2B), Connor Vinson (OF), Michaela Thompson (OF), Keeley Fulghum (3B/1B), Allie Phillips (LHP) and Taylor Waddell (RHP/1B/3B).

New faces: Tanika Powell, a sophomore utility player with amazing speed, (could have) immediate impact on offense and the base paths. Taylor Puetz, a freshman catcher who can make an immediate impact with a powerful bat.

Outlook: We expect to be a dynamic team with a lot options offensively and defensively. Ultimately, we want to be competing at the state championship level again this year, but we desire a different outcome. We are returning four juniors and five sophomores, while adding seven new underclassmen. The hunger for redemption has been apparent since the first day of softball workouts in December.

Probable strengths: We have a solid batting order that can produce runs to make games less stressful for our pitchers. We have a deep pitching roster, defensive versatility and returns who have experience at the highest state levels. There is unity.

Key to a successful season: We must stay focused on what is best for the team and what needs to be done to accomplish our goals. It will take contributions from our entire roster every day (and) leadership from our junior class.

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Eastern Wayne High School

Location: New Hope

Mascot: Warriors

Conference: Eastern Carolina 3-A/4-A

Head coach: Jackie Lewis

2014 record: 0-16

Returning players: 6 -- Trisha Bell (P/OF), Akira Coley (OF), Jeanice McCullen (OF), Britni McAlduff (3B/OF), Emily Uzzell (P/IF) and Jaela Parks (3B/1B).

New faces: Elizabeth Sutton (2B), Emily Newsome (SS), Chloe Smith (C/OF), Naomi Williams (C/OF) and Tamaria Smith (1B/OF).

Outlook: The future for Eastern Wayne softball looks promising with this freshman class and young talent. There is potential to be competitive this season.

Probable strengths: Defense. We should have a solid infield and a fast outfield.

Key to a successful season: Pitching and scoring runs along with a positive atmosphere and good chemistry with all players.

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Faith Christian Academy

Location: Goldsboro

Mascot: Conquerors

Conference: N.C. Christian Schools

Association 2-A

Returning players: 7 -- Morgan Hoskins (3B), Olivia Pierce (P), Alia Pittman (2B), Mandy Dilley (C), Reagan Baumgartner (1B/OF), Emma Meador (OF) and Grace Bailey (OF).

New faces: Kayela Williams (OF), Chloe Mills (OF), Savannah Potts (OF), Whitney Hoskins (P/OF) and Jordan Lawhon (SS).

Outlook: We have six new players -- a senior, sophomore, two ninth-graders and two seventh-graders -- who are going to be important contributors.

Probable strengths: Speed. We are a little more athletic in some places and that should help.

Key to a successful season: Our success could depend on how fast our young players can adjust to the speed and difference of the high school game.

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Rosewood High School

Location: Goldsboro

Mascot: Eagles

Conference: Carolina 1-A

Head coach: Shay Campbell

2014 record: 12-7

Returning players: 9 -- Callie Thornton (3B/P), Kaitlyn Pipkin (CF), Jordan DuBose (2B), Krystal Yelverton (U), Shayla Marak (OF), Keelin Hunter (IF), Hailey Weeks (IF/P), Carrie Ann Beckert (C/U) and Mackenzie Little (1B/OF).

New faces: Macy Tyndall (P/U), Toree Marak (U/C) and Mary-Beth Rhodes (OF).

Outlook: The team this year is going to have to work hard to have a successful season. Senior leadership is going to be crucial to our success on the field. Many of our players will be coming to softball after having another very successful year in basketball. It is my hope that the energy will carry over into softball. We have some big shoes to fill this year.

Probable strengths: Experience, speed and a good-hitting team is what I expect to be the strengths of our team this season. We will have some underclassmen filling important roles on the this team and they are very capable of doing great things this season. Another thing I expect to have this season is depth at pitching. This is the first year that I have had the opportunity to work three players that can help out in the pitcher's circle.

Key to a successful season: The keys to us having a successful season are that our team must work together to achieve team goals and that each player needs to understand their role on the team, and perform their role to the best of their ability. The players will need to work to get better than they were the day before. If the players buy into the system, we should be successful as a team this season.

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Spring Creek High School

Location: Seven Springs

Mascot: Gators

Conference: Carolina 1-A

Head coach: Lester Boltinhouse

2014 record: 11-6

Returning players: 8 -- Campbell University signee Rachel McCollum (P/SS), Sydney Ocker (OF), Sarah Ford (3B), Hailey Jones (IF/U), Daisy Martinez (OF), Alanna Price (C), Ashley Marriner (IF/P) and Samantha Crouch (IF/OF).

New faces: Rebecca Coor (IF/OF), Nikki Linker (IF). Both have good bats and should be strong. Each has middle school and travel showcase experience.

Outlook: I expect a strong season finishing near the top of the conference and a second (consecutive) trip to the playoffs.

Probable strengths: Most of the starters are experienced and have played together for several years. (We have) strong defensive players (and) a good combination of power hitters and high on-base percentage hitters to boost scoring. Pitching should be excellent. (Our) pitchers and catchers work well together.

Key to successful season: Focus at practice and on game day, play as a team and work build/improve team chemistry. (We need) to play for each other and stay healthy.

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Southern Wayne High School

Location: Dudley

Mascot: Saints

Conference: Eastern Carolina 3-A/4-A

Head coach: Alyssa Bradshaw

2014 record: 8-12

Returning players: 4 -- Pitt Community signee Haley Warren (U), Whitney Houston (RF), Kelsey Hayes (CF) and Mary Kornegay (2B).

New faces: Rachel Grady (P/SS), Sarah Horne (P/1B) and Alyssa Tart (3B).

Outlook: Expectations I have are to be a competitive team every time we step onto the field. (We) also have to develop a successful program with this young team.

Probable strengths: We have speed, we are strong and have great team leadership.

Key to successful season: We have to stay focused, have good team chemistry and hold each other accountable.

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Wayne Country Day School

Location: Goldsboro

Mascot: Chargers

Conference: Coastal Plains

Independent 1-A/2-A

Head coach: Lindsey Tripp

2014 record: Did not field team

Returning players: 3 -- Sarah Crooks (3B/P), Kate Thompson (2B/P) and Jessie Watson (OF).

New faces: Coach Tripp says she is expecting a lot of great things from all of the team's new players this season. All have proven to be growing as a team and all are expected to make an immediate impact to our team. We have a strong seventh-grade class joining the team this year.

Outlook: We're looking to establish a strong softball program.

Probable strengths: Hitting and sense of teamwork.

Key to successful season: Leadership, defense and (good) fundamentals.