By BY BRUCE HIXON – SPORTS EDITOR
Stability has not exactly been a trademark of the W.S. Neal Lady Blue Eagles softball program in recent years.
In fact, when current coach Scott Robinson was hired in the fall of 2005, he was the program's fourth coach that year alone and sixth in three years.
Stability is not the only thing the Lady Blue Eagles hope to change. The other big item they want to improve on is their record, which was just 2-19 a year ago.
W.S. Neal's lone senior, April Jackson, will have a big role in her team's fortunes on the pitcher's mound. Sophomore Renee Boatwright and freshman Porsche Hasting could also see some mound time.
Eighth grader Heather Elliott will be Jackson's receiver at catcher.
W.S. Neal has two returning infield starters. One of those is at first base where junior Katie Elliott has handled for the last two years.
The other returning infield starter is junior shortstop Jessica Lambert.
Sophomore Jazmine White is expected to step into the second base spot.
Sophomore Katie Elliott and Hasting are both contending for the third base spot.
while Katie probably has the edge with the glove,” said Robinson.
Sophomores may comprise the entire W.S. Neal outfield. Boatwright is the early favorite for left field, Jessica Jaro is penciled in for center field and Jennie Crawford is slated for right field.
Freshmen Tiffani Pettis and Elisha Wilmer along with sophomore Delilah Holloway could all see some significant playing time.
Robinson admits his team's new postseason home in Class 4A Area 2 is a tough one.
participant contender. We'll have our hands full with either one of those teams,” said Robinson.