The Central Lady Tigers, who were 8-22 last fall, will be a veteran squad for this 2024 fastpitch softball season.
The Lady Tigers return seven players from a season ago — with four of those being seniors, catcher/shortstop/ pitcher Ayrland Jiles (who batted .584 last season to lead the team), shortstop/third baseman Allie Harris (.311), left fielder Riley Rowland (.229) and first baseman Camryn Gilliam (.267).
Brianna Taylor, who batted .323 last season, is the lone junior and likely will be the starting center fielder.
Sophomores returning are second baseman Alyvia Warner (who hit .430 last fall), right fielder Keeley Poindexter (.300) and utility player Julia Mithlo.
Rounding out the roster are sophomore utility player Jhaselyn Gonzalez, sophomore outfielder Emma Meadows, freshmen outfielders Zoey Lattimore and Daylee Gower, freshman pitcher/ shortstop Brenliegh Allen, freshman third baseman Charlie Petree and freshman first baseman Alexandria Edwards.
“We are trying to build on the positives from last season,” new Central softball coach Victor Pierce said. “We have a good mixture of returning starters that are doing a great job leading the newcomers that are filling positions of the seniors from last season. Our players are excited and ready for a great season.”