ND Lady Wave fastpitch
Published 12:00 am Friday, July 29, 2011
The 2011 edition of the North Delta varsity Lady Green Wave team includes (first row, l. to r.) Courtney DuBravec, Katherine Rich, Anna Lloyd, Maribeth Johns, Julianna Morrow, Laci DuBravec, Christian Moudy; (back row) head coach Damon Plummer, assistant coach Lee Rico, Hanna Heafner, Hastings Neal, Erin Snider, Bradi Beard, Peyton Rico, Hannah Waldrip, assistant coach David Durham, Madison Atkinson, assistant coaches Teddy Morrow and Haylei Plummer. Not pictured are Casey Gee, Myles Durham, Jor
Members of the North Delta Jr. Varsity fastpitch softball team include (first row, l. to r.) Mary Farrell Hitchcock, Katherine Rich, Maribeth Johns, Anna Lloyd, Hannah Heafner, Myles Durham; (back row) coach Lee Rico, Madeline Ray, Mary Margaret Pearson, Janie Brasswell, Tiffany Moudy, Ginger Stephens, coaches David Durham and Haylei Plummer. Not pictured are Sarah Johnson, Amber Potts, Haley Lamm and Meagan Gee. The Panolian photo by Myra Bean
By Brad Greer
Last season, the North Delta Green Wave softball team, back-to-back district champions, strolled through District 1-2A unbeaten on their way to a Academy North State tournament appearance and a 19-5 overall record. But repeating as district champions will be no easy task according to Lady Green Wave head coach Damon Plummer.
“Getting back to North State is going to be a little bit tougher than it has been in the past. Carroll Academy has moved into our district this year and they always seem to have a strong program. But I think we can adjust to it. I like where we are at right now with our offense and I think our pitching will come around so I think we can repeat as district champions. I really do,“ said Plummer.
The Lady Green Wave opens the 2011 season this weekend in Senatobia at the Magnolia Heights tournament. North Delta will take on Lee, Ark. today at noon followed by a 3 p.m. matchup with Clarksdale Lee. The Wave will then square off against Hebron Christian and Delta Academy Saturday at 12 and 3 p.m.
As in most cases, pitching will be the focal point for any team and North Delta looks to be well-suited in that area as sophomores Peyton Rico and Grayson Sims will see time in the circle for the Lady Waves. Plummer also indicated that three or four underclassmen will be called on to pitch throughout the season.
Senior All-District catcher Laci DuBravec will be behind the plate for the Green Wave while freshman Katherine Rich and sophomore Jordan Pullen will vie for the first base position while sophomore Julianna Morrow and freshman Maribeth Johns battle it out at second.
Another All-District selection from a year ago, senior Bradi Beard, will hold down the shortstop spot while sophomore Erin Snider completes the infield at third base.
The outfield will consist of sophomores Madison Atkinson, Hannah Heafner and Hastings Neal. Plummer said that his club is loaded with depth at key positions and any number of players can fill in at any time of the season.
“We have three seniors, one junior and 10 sophomores on this team so if one player does not want to do right then I’ve got a whole lot more of these young ladies on the bench that are ready to take their place. We will not skip a beat there because some are just as good or better than they are so I am excited about that,“ said Plummer.
North Delta will begin defending their district title Aug. 9 in the home opener against Kirk Academy.
