Lady Jays ready for season

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By Tom Dodge
Sports Editor
The Lady Jays were on an 11-1 roll last season before the conronavirus pandemic forced a halt to the softball season.
First-year St. Edmund head softball coach Lacey LaGrange is hopeful the 2021 season will be memorable for her team in a more pleasant way.
“They felt the hurt for the seniors who didn’t get to finish the season,” she said. “It was a huge wake-up call for all the team as they realize how quickly things can be taken away.
“For the seniors heading into their final season I know how important is to them to finish strong.”
St. Edmund seniors include Anna Belle Fontenot, Sarah Duplehain, Mary Beth Lafleur, Rebecca Benoit, Hannah Benoit and Jacey Cobb.
“Experience is important in softball because they know what do next as the play is happening,” she said. “It is straight reaction that helps them in the moment.”
Juniors are Karleigh Soileau, Kennedy Ardoin, Rylie Johnson and Elizabeth McGee.
The Lady Jay sophomores include Alice Brown, Ashlyn Marcantel, Madison Comeau, Ellie Manuel and Mary Helen Miller.
The freshmen are Harlie Guillory, Caroline Trahan, Kate Miller, Jenna Pommier, Jenna Smith, Anna Chapman and Elizabeth Fruge.
“I think we will be strong pitching and hitting,” the coach said. “The defense will also be pretty good.
“We have strong hitters and speed on the bases,” she said. “We have the potential to be a good team.”
Even with a large number of returning starters, the Lady Jays also have a deep group behind them, according to the coach.
“We have a lot of depth on the roster and versatile players who I can put in the infield, outfield, pitching or catching,” she said.
“We can change players and I have trust they can fill any spot,” LaGrange said. “That depth helps push the starters to get better every day.”
The Lady Jays travel to Port Barre Wednesday and then will participate in the Beau Chene jmboree on Saturday.
“We have a tough schedule this season including Beau Chene, Acadiana High and Lafayette Christian,” the coach said. “I want us to be prepared for the playoffs by facing quality pitching.
“The team wants to get better each day and make it to the state tournament.”
LaGrange said they have 14 home games along with the Lady Jay tournament on March 12-13.
The Lady Jays will face Catholic High of Pointe Coupee, Opelousas Catholic, Sacred Heart of Ville Platte and Westminster Christian Academy in the battle for the District 5-1A championship.
“They are all quality teams in the district,” she said. “It is an open race and I believe we have a legitimate chance to be district champs.”
St. Edmund won back-to-back district titles in 2018-19 – its first since sharing the 2004 title with Merryville.
“We are excited to start the season and we are working toward having a successful season,” she said. “The team chemistry is great and they want to play together and make this year special – especcially for the seniors.”