By Staff
As the sun starts to set on the T.R. Miller Lady Tigers softball team's season, it is also setting on seniors Lacey Lucas, Rebekah Neal and Jamie Peacock.
Lucas, Neal and Peacock are the last three members from T.R. Miller's original fast pitch team in 2001.
"There were others in their class who have played these past four years, but Lacey, Rebekah and Jamie are the only ones who have stayed with it the entire time," T.R. Miller coach Jamie Riggs said. "They've all developed a good idea of what needs to be done when it needs to be done. They have been very influential players and good leaders for our younger players."
Although the Lady Tigers have had some ups and downs during their four years, T. R. Miller's best season is the current one.
The Lady Tigers went 11-6 in 2001, 14-14 in 2002 and 10-12 a year ago. T.R. Miller assured itself a winning season early last week when it thumped Monroe County 18-1 and then claimed its first Area championship Friday. The Lady Tigers currently have a 14-6 record.
Lucas has spent much of her time as an outfielder.
"Lacey has been a good role player for us and has accepted her roles very well. She has gotten some spot starts and we've sometimes put her in later in games as a defensive replacement. Lacey is a good defensive outfielder and she has developed into a pretty good bunter," Riggs said.
Neal has been the Lady Tigers' primary pitcher during her high school career although this season she has shared that role with junior Halie Ellis. On days Ellis has been on the mound, Neal has moved to third base.
"When we went to fast pitch, Rebekah had the most pitching experience among our players so naturally we gave her an opportunity to do that for us and she has done a fine job. She hasn't pitched quite as much this season, but that is not a reflection on the way she has performed. That is a reflection on how much Halie has developed. They are different kinds of pitchers, but ability wise they are similar," Riggs said.
Peacock made made the transition from leftfield to centerfield this season.
"She has handled that transition well. Jamie has been a good offensive player for us and has come up with some big hits," Riggs said. "Jamie is a very enthusiastic person who has been involved in a lot of activities while she has been in school. Jamie has had sister Terri Lynne on the team for three years. Sometimes having siblings together can be a problem, but not them."