West Ashley looking for improvement this spring

By C.R. Cumbee

Staff Writer

Charleston--The West Ashley High softball team has struggled to build its program the last several seasons, and last year was no exception.  The Lady Wildcats went 4-22 in 2010, but hope to improve on that mark this spring.

Head coach Bobby Marion is going into his third year as head coach and hopes this season can prove to be better than the previous two.

West Ashley returns five starters this season, including junior right-handed pitcher Shelby Rogers.

Also back is the entire outfield, made up of junior left fielder April Jones, junior right fielder Kristin Clark and freshman centerfielder Katie Stovall.

The other returning starter is shortstop Whitney Williams, who may be one of the top sophomores in the conference.

"Our strengths should be returning players who have a lot of 4-A experience," Marion said.  "We should be able to produce more runs than last year."

The Lady Wildcats will also hope quality is better than quantity.  There were only 10 players on the roster as the season opener approached, meaning depth may turn out to be a big issue.

Of the five newcomers, junior third baseman Ashlyn Jordan may have the brightest upside of them all.  Junior Regina Acquire is slated to play second base while eighth-grader Lexi Thompson is penciled in as the catcher.

Two freshmen, Maggie Burbage and Catlin Poston, will battle for the starting position at first base.  Poston could also see time inside the circle as a pitcher.

West Ashley will have a difficult task this season if they hope to make the playoffs.  They are in a tough conference, with Wando and Stratford the two most likely teams to battle for the region title.  The Lady Wildcats will have to overcome Goose Creek and James Island in order to secure a postseason berth.

Contact C.R. at crcumbee2007@hotmail.com.