Lady Raiders slated to open season at Casey County on Friday
By Steve LeMaster
stevelemastersports@yahoo.com
STEARNS – The McCreary Central Lady Raiders are preparing to open the 2018 high school softball season on the road at Casey County on Friday (March 23). First pitch for the McCreary Central-Casey County softball game is set for 6 p.m..
A McCreary Central-Bell County softball game slated for Tuesday was canceled.
Under the direction of head coach Dottie Cotton, McCreary Central is expected to be a much-improved team in the 2018 season. A pair of seniors are set to help lead the Lady Raiders. McCreary Central returns several experienced players from its 2017 squad.
“We are really excited about this season,” said Cotton. “We have two seniors returning this year, Cammie Gilreath and Kristen Kilby, each of whom brings a lot of grit and energy to this team. Their leadership and encouragement has been fantastic throughout the preseason. Also, joining them are seven juniors, three sophomores two freshmen and a seventh grader. Each of these players will play a big role in the success of our program. They have been working hard in the preseason to get ready. Our focus has been on hitting and putting people in position to score. Leaving too many players on base is just an option.”
McCreary Central fared well during the preseason.
“During our recent play day at Oneida High, we went 2-1 on the day and saw a lot of positives to build on,” commented Cotton. “Of course, our goal is to win the 48th District title and return to the 12th Region Tournament and with their hard work and dedication to the team that is very possible.”
McCreary Central concluded the 2017 season 6-18. The Lady Raiders finished runner-up to Southwestern in the 48th District.
McCreary Central suffered a shutout loss to Rockcastle County in the opening round of 2017 14th Region Softball Tournament.
The Lady Raiders are slated to compete in the Berea Pirates Invitational March 30-31. Prior to the Berea tournament, McCreary Central has regular-season games scheduled versus Lincoln County, Pineville and Clinton County.
McCreary Central is slated to host Casey County in a late-season game on May 7.
