By By BRUCE HIXON – Sports Editor
If there was a number that was synonymous with the W.S. Neal Lady Blue Eagles softball program a year ago, it was four.
On one hand, four is the number of wins the Lady Blue Eagles posted. That figure was the most in the program's history.
Four is also the number of coaches the W.S. Neal program had in 2005. The last of those through the revolving, door, Scott Robinson, will try to keep the program on an upswing this season.
This is the first head coaching position for Robinson, who has also been an assistant football and track coach at W.S. Neal.
The Lady Blue Eagles, who had a 4-11 overall record in 2005, will have a lineup dominated by youth. W.S. Neal's projected opening day lineup had just two seniors and one junior.
The youngest of the youthful lineup will work the spot where most softball attention is focused, which is on the mound at pitcher. There, seventh grade righthander Miranda Anderson Smith is expected to work a big bulk of the innings.
One of W.S. Neal's two projected seniors in the lineup is behind the plate where senior Erika Davis is expected to get the call.
Sophomore Katie Lowery returns to the first base spot she held a year ago. Sophomore Krystie Rolin may also get some action there.
Sophomore Jessica Lambert handled third base duties last year, but has been shifted to second base this season. Senior Andrea King could also see time at that spot.
Shortstop Jessica Madden is W.S. Neal's other projected senior starter.
Junior April Jackson, a transfer from Escambia County, is expected to step into the third base role. Sophomore Maria Harris could also see some time at third or shortstop.
W.S. Neal may very well start three freshmen in its outfield with Quincey Jackson slated for left, Jessica Jaro for center and Stephanie Crysell in right. Senior Ginny Allen and Freshmen Lauren Irvine and Jennie Crawford are also possibilities for the outfield.
Robinson admits he has little knowledge of the Class 3A area 1 field where his team competes and includes defending champ T.R. Miller, Clarke County and Straughn.
W.S. Neal Lady Blue Eagles
Softball Schedule
Feb. 28 J.U. Blacksher Home (JV 4 p.m., V 5 p.m.)
Mar. 2 Frisco City Home (JV 4 p.m., V 5 p.m.)
Mar. 3 Jay Home 3:30 p.m.
Mar. 7 T.R. Miller Away (JV 3:30 p.m. DH)
Mar. 13 T.R. Miller Away (JV 3:30 p.m., V 4:30 p.m.)
Mar. 14 Monroe County Home(JV 3:30 p.m., V 4:30 p.m.)
See SOFTBALL Page 8A
Mar. 16 Escambia County Away 3:30 p.m. (DH)
Mar. 21 Jay Home 3:30 p.m.
Mar. 24 Clarke County Away (JV 4 p.m., V 5 p.m.)
Apr. 3 Straughn Home (JV 4 p.m., V 5 p.m.)
Apr. 4 T.R. Miller Home (JV 3:30 p.m., V 4:30 p.m.)
Apr. 6 Frisco City Away (JV 4 p.m., V 5 p.m.)
Apr. 11 Monroe County Away (JV 3:30 p.m., V 4:30 p.m.)
Apr. 13 Escambia County Home 3:30 p.m. (DH)
Apr. 17 Straughn Away (JV 4 p.m., V 5 p.m.)
Apr. 18 J.U. Blacksher Away (JV 4 p.m., V 5 p.m.)
Apr. 20 Clarke County Home (JV 4 p.m., V 5 p.m.)
Apr. 25 McKenzie Away (JV 3:30 p.m., V 4:30 p.m.)
Apr. 27 McKenzie Home (JV 3:30 p.m., V 4:30 p.m.)
May 5 Class 3A Area 1 Tournament at T.R. Miller