By Justin McGill
Tribune-Courier Managing Editor
jmcgill@tribunecourier.com

DRAFFENVILLE – Entering the 2007 1st Region Tournament, Marshall County had lost one game against region competition. In the championship game, the Lady Marshals lost a heartbreaker to Heath.

MCHS assistant coach Patricia Greer said the loss isn’t being discussed much during preparations for 2008.

“It’s over,” Greer said. “I’m not going to say it’s not there, but this is a new season. It’s motivation, but we don’t talk about it.”

Outside the region, MCHS had solid wins against state power Christian County and strong teams out of Alabama and Illinois, finishing with a 32-6 overall record.

“That kind of season is good for the program, but everyone understands this is a brand new year,” Greer said. “We’re proud of last season, and we’re using it as a stepping stone.”

A repeat of last season’s record isn’t likely, Greer said, with the season schedule including teams like state champ Greenwood and Warren East and tournaments in Martin, Tenn., and Central Hopkins. MCHS will also host its Slugfest tournament.

“We’re playing a tough schedule, so we’re not worried about wins and losses,” Greer said. “We’re worried about being ready for the postseason. We may not have the record we had last year, but we’ll get better each game.”

On the field, some players appear earmarked for certain positions, but Greer said many Lady Marshals are comfortable in and knowledgable of multiple positions, resulting in great depth for the team.

On the mound, senior Randi Butler returns to lead MCHS, and Greer said freshman Stephanie Helton is improving.
Behind the plate, replacing 2007 senior Brittany Edmonds will be tough, Greer said.

“Nobody else has caught a varsity game for Marshall County since Brittany Edmonds was a freshman,” Greer said.

Four youngsters – Ansley Shoulta, Carly Sykes, Allee Moore and Taylor Meadows – are vying for time at the position.

Catherine Foust, Helton and Butler will see time at first base, while Foust, Jordan Gilland and Landon Lovett can play second.

The left side of the infield is set with senior Hannah Barrett at third base and junior Careece Martin at shortstop.

“Hannah and Careece are definitely stepping up as leaders, and they like that role,” Greer said. “That makes us confident. They want the ball hit to them. They are confident they’ll make the play.”

Gilland started in center field last season and might split time between there and second base. Ashley Denfip, Anna Maziarka and Mallory Young will also roam the outfield.

While the recent weather has kept the team off the practice field, being forced to work inside has provided more of a chance to fine-tune things at the plate.

“There’s only so much you can do aside from live pitching, but they’ve been working really hard,” Greer said. “They’re swinging the bat hard.”

In the region, Greer said the Lady Marshals will be competiitive with top teams Reidland, Heath, Ballard Memorial and Calloway County.