Lady Eagle Softball soars past competition

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• Sports wrap-up - May 24th, 2010
• Coach Wessinger new AD - May 18th, 2010
• Wessinger becomes Chapin's new AD - April 23rd, 2010
• Signing day comes to Chapin - March 18th, 2010
• Three schools, one team, one goal - March 16th, 2010

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April 20, 2010  
Filed under Sports

Last season, Coach Jason Jolley inherited a softball team that was destined for a dreaded rebuilding season. With five upperclassmen on the team, the Lady Eagles had potential to surprise in a questionable 4-3A region. Few expected the team to make a run to districts, let alone an Upper State birth. This season, the Lady Eagles will look to top their previous season.

However, Chapin (15-3) is no longer the underdog. After topping 4A giants Spring Valley, Maudlin, and Easley in preseason play, the Lady Eagles captured the Championship division of the annual Snowball Classic. “We were on a tear. I think we defeated 17 teams in a row once we took the Snowball Classic.” said senior Lauren Barton

Nor did the team relent once the actual season began. Chapin has claimed victories over district rivals Irmo and Dutch Fork, as well as two victories over historic rival Mid-Carolina. They have also posted incredible margins of victory over region foes AC Flora and Lower Richland. LR was defeated 20-0, while Flora succumbed 37-1 in mercy rule games.

The key factor of success behind the Lady Eagles’ success is experience. Seven returning starters and senior captains Brittany Barr, Lauren Barton, and Jenna Taylor guide the team. Barr, an all-state pitcher who nailed a 10-win season in her junior campaign, splits time on the mound with sophomore Taylor Morgan, who also netted 10 victories and an all-state nomination. Barton, an all-region nominee, and Taylor are both major factors in the outfield.

However, all-region nominees junior Samantha Boland and sophomore Whitley Martin also strengthen the Lady Eagles. Boland, a frequent of the infield, and Martin, the team’s primary catcher, were among the top average hitters of the team last season, along with Barton. Coach Jolley also picked up an all-region coach bid for his 21-4 record in his duties.

The sole blemish on the Lady Eagles’ resume this season is a loss to region opponent Lugoff-Elgin. This loss snapped the teams’ 10-game winning streak versus region rivals, but has actually done more than just put a number in the loss column. “The Lugoff loss really woke the team up. It brought us back from reality and showed us that we aren’t perfect. We still have a lot of work to do if we want to eclipse how we performed last season.” said Barton.

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