Lady Panthers open 2022 softball Aug. 4

Published 11:00 am Wednesday, August 3, 2022

CHULA — When the Tiftarea Academy Lady Panthers finished as Class AAA softball state runners-up in 2021, four players were named All-State: Elli Bryan, Isabel Fernandez, Pyper McCard and Ali Strenth. There is great news for the program’s supporters. All four return to play this season.

Strenth and Bryan are seniors, Fernandez and McCard juniors on a loaded Tiftarea team which opens the season Aug. 4 at home against Westwood of Camilla. Head coach Rob Flick said the contest will start at 5:30 p.m.

The summer has been “pretty good,” said Flick. “The girls are getting better and stronger every day.”

Flick graduated two players from his 2021 team, which went 20-3 overall, 20-1 until the state finals series, Laura Ann Jones and Madi Hartsfield, centerfield and third base, respectively. Though he returns nearly everyone, filling the shoes of those two will be extremely difficult.

“Pretty big ones to miss,” he said. “Two very important spots.” Flick has been working out several players at each position. Jolee Paulk has spent the majority of the summer in center, but he’s still moving players around, checking combinations. “I’ve tried to rotate some people from infield to outfield, to give people a look in case something happens,” he said.

Knock on wood, the Lady Panthers have been healthy. Two players have had nagging injuries n the past couple of seasons, but they are in tip-top shape.

The rest of the outfield currently has Caroline Heard in right field and Elaine Mercer in left. Lexi Connell, Kensie Law and Katelyn Brown have gotten reps as well, said Flick.

Mackenzie Matthews is playing lots of third base. She’s already had plenty of time in the starting lineup because of her bat, but Flick said she did not have many chances to play infield because four stalwarts were holding down those positions.

“She’s always been a reliable hitter. Now she’s going to get her shot at third base.”

In the circle, McCard had a breakthrough 2021, posting a 1.25 ERA while fanning 166 batters in 128 2/3 innings as a sophomore. Her three homers led the team, as well as her .485 batting average and 28 runs batted in. Scarily, Flick said McCard has gotten even better.

She had plenty of help on the offensive side of the ball with Bryan, Fernandez, Paulk and Strenth all hitting over .300. This year, Flick expects her to have even more support pitching.

Hannah Murphy and Law threw a combined nine innings a year ago, but have worked out well over the summer. “With someone like Pyper on the team, you can pick your spots with where you want to get them experienced,” said Flick.

Bryan is back behind the dish to catch. She hit .342 in 2021, mashed her first varsity home run and drove in 16 while scoring 23 times. Holding down the middle infield slots are Strenth and Fernandez. Fernandez scored a team-leading 35 runs last season, hitting .352. Strenth drove in 22 with two homers at .379.

“Ali and Elli are as steady as they get,” he said.

Flick said several players are getting attention from college recruiters. McKenna McCard signed with Elon two years ago. Now, half the team is catching coaches’ eyes.

For the first time under Flick’s tutelage, Tiftarea will truly have a younger group on varsity who will get to grow into their roles. This year’s juniors and seniors have been starting since eighth graders, so it’s been a treat for him to watch the relative newcomers come along.

The Lady Panthers will be in a region that is the same, but different for the next two seasons. The GISA has rebranded to the GIAA. Tiftarea’s district, 3-AAA, still includes Valwood, Brookwood and Southland Academy, but also adds Terrell Academy (up from AA) and the returning Deerfield-Windsor.

Unlike some GIAA sports, there won’t be a Class AAAA in softball, meaning that in addition to defending state champions Westfield, the playoffs will be stacked with much larger Macon schools such as Tattnall Square and First Presbyterian Day.

Non-region opponents for Tiftarea this season includes Valdosta and Crisp County, plus a trip to Cordele to play in the Watermelon Invitational against Lanier County and Wilcox County. Valdosta, which is in the GHSA’s Class 7A, will be Chula on Aug. 10, with a return trip to the Azalea City on Aug. 22. They travel to Crisp on the 31st.

District starts Aug. 18 with Terrell Academy at home. The format will be similar to last year. Afternoon doubleheaders are out for most conference teams as most of their fields aren’t lit. Tiftarea is one of the few GIAA schools in the area capable of playing night softball games.