Lady Panthers softball team wants championship
MARTIN COUCH Sports editor

LADY PANTHERS MARTIN COUCH PHOTO Lady Panthers catcher Laura Huggins waits for the pitcher to throw during practice last week at Tyndall Park.

Benton Lady Panthers softball head coach Eric Ryan is optimistic about this season for good reason.

The Lady Panthers are returning the majority of their starting lineup last year with the exception of right-fielder Emily Gotney who graduated last spring.

"As far as the conference, I think we're going to be competing for the title this year," Ryan said. "Lake Hamilton won it last year and they only lost one girl, but we've only lost one girl, too and we've got the core of our team coming back. We're going to be more prepared and more experienced."

The Lady Panthers return with Katie Nichols and Mandi Haltom on the mound with Laura Huggins doing the catching. Elizabeth Burks plays first base, but is considered a versatile player for Ryan, and he expects to use her anywhere on the field.

"E.B. can play a variety of positions, so we can move her around and do a lot of different things with her," he said.

Joanna Curtis comes back at shortstop and other Lady Panthers basketball players such as Ashley Martindale and Bailey Smith also are coming back. Tiffany Pledger and Jade Johnson are working at third base. Emily Chastain is taking over for Gotney in the outfield.

"The girls have spent time over the summer working at college camps and at Arkansas Sports Performance to cut our times down," Ryan said. "Most of the girls have cut two-tenths off of their home to first times. We had three girls last year to run under a three seconds, but this year we have seven of our nine players who can run under three seconds. These girls have put a lot of hard work in and we are ready to get started."

The Lady Panthers will open their season on Feb. 18 at Bryant.

"I know one thing, we want to be more aggressive offensively and defensively," Ryan said. "We've put in a few different things for the girls and, right now, I think we just need to play. Everything is there as long as the coach doesn't get in the way. This is one of the most talented teams we've had. They are versatile and experienced."