Softball Preview
Gilmer High School softball’s preseason had more than one twist and turn as the Lady Cats navigated their way.
The COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic forced all teams to alter seasonal preparations to ensure they were creating the safest environment for players and coaches.
One of those precautions was isolating players who were either sick or exposed to the virus to limit its spread. This kept the Cats off the field, and head coach Amanda Mullis had a patchwork team at her disposal most days.
“We had to take a break ourselves (for 14 days),” Mullis said. “We had some cases and they were mild so thank God nothing came out of that. Aside from that we’ve had individual girls who have had to miss practice because they were exposed or around someone.
“It’s been a mess. I think yesterday (last Wednesday) was the first day we had the entire team here. So we will have had three full team practices before our first game.”
It was an uncharted and disjointed situation, but the team continued to make the most of their time on the field.
“I wouldn’t call it (players missing practice) a set back, but it’s been more of a slow progression,” Mullis said. “We’ve had practices sometimes with only 10 girls. We’ve been able to break things down by position and work with certain players on certain things, so that’s been nice.
“If we can play our season, I have very high hopes for this year. We’ve moved some girls around, we have some that have just come out of nowhere and are playing awesome. We’re pretty solid and have one of the best infields around. I have about five or six girls who can hit it out.”
While the Cats have used some of the preseason to sharpen fundamental skills, Mullis has also concentrated on another aspect that will be vital to their success.
“We’ve really had to push leadership,” she said. “We kind of struggled with that last year. I think it comes down to keeping everybody on the same page as far as what we’re there for and that we’re a team. Their attitudes are what is going to drive our season.”
The varsity roster will be made up of nine upperclassmen, which includes four seniors and five juniors, as well as five sophomores and a freshman.
Gilmer’s infield consists of four returning letter winners from last season, though some have changed positions.
Junior Taylor Elliott will take the field at third base, which will move senior and second team all-region performer Jasmine Staley to second. First team all-region sophomore Macy Hamby returns to play short stop, and junior Sarah Stallings will play first base. Sophomore Maddie Wright returns to play catcher.
“Taylor has come out of nowhere and she’s my new third baseman,” Mullis said. “Obviously, Macy has short rolled up for a while. Jasmine has moved to second. That was a concern for me because I knew she was at home at third, but she is our missing piece. Sarah Stallings has gained some confidence and will be at first. Of course Maddie will be behind the plate.”
Returning to the outfield will be sophomore Jacie Bennett in center and senior Makenzie Taylor in right. Mullis has yet to settle on a starting left fielder.
“We’ll have Jacie and McKenzie back,” she said. “Left is kind of up in the air at this point. We have two battling it out right now so I’m not 100 percent sure yet.”
Second team all-region pitcher Isabella Chastain returns for her senior season. She has shouldered a heavy pitching load and will do the same this season. Hamby and freshman left hander Zoey Woody will pitch as well.
To achieve a second straight trip to the state playoffs, GHS will have to finish in the top four of the region standings. After dropping from Class 4A to 3A, Gilmer’s new region opponents this season will be Lumpkin County, White County, Dawson County, North Hall, West Hall and Cherokee Bluff.
Mullis discussed the team’s goals, saying, “We finished fourth in region last year, and I want to do better than that.
“Last year, half of our problem was errors. We’ve got the players to play defense and we’ve got some strong hitters. I’m big on small ball, so we’ll have to be able to get the bunt down. I feel like we could do really well this year even though I don’t know what we’re up against.”
The Lady Cats opened the season last Saturday with a 3-2 victory over Sonoraville.