The Andrew Jackson Academy Softball Team Focused On Winning

By Billy G. Baker

Publisher

Ehrhardt—The Andrew Jackson Academy girls’ softball team is headed up by first-year mentor Denise Duncan this season, and after four games of the 2025 season, the Lady Warriors are 2-2 with a focus on daily improvement.

“After four games we have two games where we hit the ball well, and two games where we didn’t hit well,” said Coach Duncan. “We are still moving players around, and many positions are still being contested.

“Our number one goal is to win,” said Coach Duncan. “Then we want our players to have good attitudes, with  good team spirit, and show support for each other. We also want to have good sportsmanship at all times.”

The team finished 4-14 a year ago but with the top three hitters all back this season the team should exceed the success of last year’s team. Their other win came over Orangeburg Christian. Their two losses were against Holly Hill Academy and Jefferson Davis Academy. 

In a recent 22-4 win over Thomas Heyward these three players paced the hitting attack. Sophomore all-region center fielder Carrigan Moore (played catcher as a freshman) had an inside the park home run and a double against the Rebels. Sophomore returning all-region performer McKinnley Beard had two triples against the Rebel’s and she also pitched well with three K’s.  Senior right fielder Riley Roe, the team’s clean-up batter, also had several key hits against Thomas Heyward.”

Carrigan, McKinnley and Riley are definitely our top three hitters thus far in the season,” said Coach Duncan. “McKinnley is our main pitcher and she can play in center when she is not in the circle,” Coach Duncan.

“Carrigan is very fast in the outfield and she is our lead-off batter,” said Coach Duncan. “Last year she was all-region and she was also chosen to play in the all-star game after the season, but I think the bad weather cancelled the event,” said Coach Duncan. “Riley is a solid contact hitter who hits the ball very well.”

Senior Sydney Crosby is a returner who starts at second base. Freshman shortstop Harlo Sease is back from last season and she rotates between shortstop and first base with sophomore Braelyn Hall. Senior catcher Ryleigh Trivette has been moved from first base to catching duties for her senior season. 

Sophomore Mary Grace Hiers is currently starting at third base. Senior Sam Stephens is a first-year starter in left field. Junior Alexandra Johnson is starting in left field. Sophomore Mariya Hiott can play numerous positions in the infield and outfields and junior reserve CJ Ulmer is mainly a right fielder.

 “It is hard to say what the strength of the team is right now,” said Coach Duncan. “Hopefully, our hitting that we experienced against Thomas Heyward will continue.”

Coach Duncan is assisted by Monica Beard, Carmen Mixson and Bill Johnson.