Colleton Prep softball back on track after slow start
Colleton Prep junior, Sydney Stivender
By David Shelton
Senior Writer
Walterboro – The early part of the 2025 season was a struggle for the Colleton Prep softball team as the Warhawks lost their first seven contests.
Granted, many of those early games came against bigger schools and several were close losses. As the schedule moved into games against schools at their level, Colleton Prep has put together a solid run of victories. Heading into spring break, the overall record had improved to 9-11 and the Warhawks were riding a six-game winning streak heading into the break.
While there remains a few defensive issues now and then, Colleton Prep has solid pitching and has gotten hot with the bats during their recent run of success.
Sharing time in the pitching circle this spring are Sydney Stivender and Elena Mathys. The duo also handle shortstop duties when not pitching. Both also have been key contributors at the plate offensively.
Perhaps the hottest hitter is catcher Ava Murray, who has had some huge games at the plate. Murray two hits and three runs batted in against John Paul II and tallied four hits and three RBIs in a win over Dorchester Academy. In a 7-6 win over Jefferson Davis Academy, Murray collected three hits and drove in four runs.
Second baseman Brayli Stanfield and first baseman Addison Crosby also have had solid offensive output of late. Crosby had two hits against Jefferson Davis and three against Andrew Jackson Academy. Stivender drove in four runs in the win over Andrew Jackson.
Brooklyn Whitley has been starting at third base. Working in the outfield is a combination of Abby Feather, Addy Busch, Banks Benton, Nevaeh Crosby and Bre Cain.
The baseball team also had a slow start and have struggled to put together consistent winning efforts. The Warhawks were 4-15 entering spring break.
Shortstop Cale Owens and catcher Hartman Fisk have been solid offensive leaders. First baseman Grayson Martin and outfielder Bryce Kinard, along with outfielder Grayson Smoak, have contributed offensively.
Kinard also rates as one of the top pitchers. Smoak sees time on the mound, as do outfielder Charlie Walker, and Owens, among others.
Fripp Smoak, Steven Crosby, Tanner Wolfe and Gerardo Dela Cruz see action in the outfield while Braeden Hiers plays some at first base.
Several athletes are competing in track and field this spring. Magnolia Halley has been one of a few girls competing and is running the 100 and 400.
For the boys team, Asher Osteen is working in the sprints and Braeden Sheppard and Isaac Tuten are competing in the 800 and 1600 meter runs. Bradley Harrison is competing in the long and triple jump while Collin Sipe throws the shot put and discus.
