Veteran Lady Indians open season at tournament

The Gaffney softball team is in a familiar position this season challenging for a playoff spot and region championship.

“Our goal is to win the region,” Lady Indian coach Kelly Ellis said.

Gaffney will need solid seasons from a couple of young pitchers to make that goal a reality. Eighthgrader Julie Sarratt and freshman Courtney Campbell will anchor the pitching corps.

“They have a lot of experience despite their youth,” Ellis said.

They’ll be throwing to returning catcher Hayden Kidd.

Although first base is up for grabs with Campbell, Cameron Crocker and Megan Stanridge competing for playing time, the rest of the infield is set. Morgan Hughey returns to second base while Keri Sarratt is back at shortstop and Rachel Avelar and Sarah Griffith are at third.

“The infield should be one of our strengths,” Ellis said.

The outfield has a solid group of starters in Laura Kies, Jessica Ledbetter and Jessica Turner, but has little depth.

The offense hasn’t been a concern during the preseason.

“We’ve hit the ball pretty good,” she said.

Keri Sarratt and Hughey will be at the top of the order with Julie Sarratt and Kidd batting in the number three and four spots.

The Lady Indians, who finished second in the region last year and 12-4 overall, begin the season today at 4:30 p.m. in the Gene Lea preseason tournament against either Blue Ridge or Woodruff.

“We seem to have good team chemistry this year,” Ellis said.