Hitting must come to life for Lady Indians

The Gaffney High softball team needs to hit the ball better to move forward in the playoffs.

The No. 2 seed Lady Indians open district play Thursday at home against fourth-seeded Lancaster at 6:30 p.m. Wren, the district's top seed, battles Aiken in the other district opener.

"We have to start hitting the ball," Gaffney coach Kelly Ellis said.

The Lady Indians (18-7) have slumped at the plate late in the season, according to Ellis.

"We need to be more aggressive. We are taking too many pitches," she said.

Julie Sarratt, Megan Standridge and Lana Ward have provided most of the offense for the Lady Indians this season.

Ellis said her scouting report on Lancaster is imcomplete but she hopes to know more about the Lady Bruins by game time.

"I know they are good bunters," she said. "I hope to talk with more coaches to find out more."

Ellis has no concerns about her pitching, with ace Julie Sarratt on the mound.

Ellis said Sarratt is most effective when she's overpowering the batters.

The Lady Indians advanced to the district championship game last year before being eliminated by North Augusta.

Defensively, the Lady Indians have been sharp, according to Ellis.

With a victory on Thursday, the Lady Indians would host the second round game on Saturday if Aiken upsets Wren.