The DeKalb County Tigerettes Softball Team is preparing for its upcoming season with practices and participation in a recent playday in Antioch in Nashville. At the event, the Tigerettes got their feet wet, playing live ball against some good teams.
Overall, DeKalb came out of the playday even, with a 0-7 loss to Nashville Christian, a 3-3 tie, and a 5-4 win over Obion County. Coach Danny Bond told the Review that the games were good to evaluate the team, but there’s still work to do.
"We’re still trying to put the pieces together," Coach Bond said. "It’s been probably the most difficult year that we’ve had as far as putting the pieces together. Of course it’s still early yet. Saturday gave us some exposure, and indications of what people can do and what they can’t do."
Coach Bond said that the team has yet to come together, with the first season game fast approaching. "We’ve got the rest of this week to work, and our opening game is next Monday. We’re trying to replace our third baseman, our shortstop, and our second baseman from last year’s team, and that’s something we haven’t got set in stone yet. We’ll experiment with different combinations as far as that."
According to Bond, hitting is one of the team’s strengths. "We’ve hit the ball fairly well. It’s still early and last weekend was our first exposure to live pitching versus other teams."
"Defensively, we looked good at times, and others we didn’t look good. That’s something we’re working on. We’re hoping our pitching will carry us until our defense takes hold. We’ve got four pitchers, seniors Lauren Colwell, Shauna Taylor, and Danielle Tyson, and a freshman Kayley Caplinger."
While the team is still working out positions, Coach Bond said they are still waiting on an important part of the team. "We’re looking for some leadership. We need some players to step up and lead us when the game is on the line. Someone to just be a vocal captain that will step up at the right time when we need them."
The Tigerettes open their season Monday, at home against Jackson County. Game begins at 4:30.