An experienced roster has put plenty of pressure on the McComb Lady Tigers softball team and new head coach.
Cody Hall takes over as the Lady Tigers’ head coach, replacing Kristi Bird, who retired from coaching and is now teaching at North Pike.
McComb features eight returning starters this season and has Hall excited about the team’s potential.
“There’s no doubt there’s a lot of pressure on me,” Hall said. “I know what this team is capable of doing. I’ve got to do my job and get it out of them.
“I believe this team has the ability to go deep in the playoffs,” Hall added, “maybe two or three rounds, maybe even to the state tournament.”
The Lady Tigers look to return to the postseason after winning the Region 5-5A regular-season crown last season.
The only starter gone from last season’s squad is outfielder Casey Brumfield, now attending and playing softball at Southwest Mississippi Community College.
Senior Danielle Farnum will start behind the plate for the Lady Tigers. Farnum hit .383, second on the team last season.
She will catch the pitching duo of senior right-hander Megan Coney and sophomore righty Kamry Creel.
Last season, Creel went 5-1, while Coney finished the season with a 7-4 mark.
“Pitching is our strength this year,” Hall said. “We’ve got the two of the best pitchers in our division. They both did a great job last year. I’m looking for them to be even better this year. We’re putting all our trust and faith into our pitching staff.”
Along with their work on the mound, Coney and Creel will also share time at first base.
The rest of the infield will include sophomore second baseman Breann Talbert and freshman third baseman Leyton Terrell, who started last season as an eighth grader.
The starting shortstop job is still undecided, with seniors Victoria Price and Desiree Mallery battling it out. Mallery returns after missing most of the first half of last season due to injury.
Left field will be occupied by either Price or Mallery, whichever doesn’t win the starting shortstop job. Senior Annie Artigues will begin the season as the starting center fielder. Artigues’ .426 batting average led the Lady Tigers in 2010.
The battle for right field has come down to four -- freshman Kaylin Coney, senior Jennifer Turner, sophomore Raneka Felder and junior Hanna Thompson.
Hall said he believes the Lady Tiger squad is about as good as it gets.
“I think this is a complete team,” he said. “We had a good offense last year and I think we’ll be good again this year.
“Our defense is strong this year,” Hall added. “I don’t believe there is a weak spot on this team.”
As for the district this season, Hall said the toughest competition will come from Brookhaven and West Jones. The Lady Tigers, he added, will control their own destiny.
“(Region) 5-5A is the toughest district in the state,” he said. “If the girls put on the field what they’re capable of doing, I believe we have a good chance of winning the district again.”
McComb opens the season with seven consecutive road games, beginning Feb. 26 at West Marion. The Lady Tigers’ home opener doesn’t come until March 11 against Cathedral.
