Latta Varsity Softball Expecting Only The Best

Stephanie Ard, Latta’s varsity softball coach for the past four years, is expecting only the best from her group of talented players. Ard’s expectation for her team is to play for Lower State and State with this group of players. “If the players learn to play as a team, the sky is the limit”,  Ard quipped.
Latta has a history of winning and this year should be no different. After all, last year the Latta Vikings were 22-8.
The Vikings lost one key player, Maddy Long, who anchored centerfield. Of course, Coach Ard is hard at work re-arranging and shifting players to find the perfect scheme to make it work.
With the realignment this year, Latta has moved up in classification and region. The Latta Vikings will be facing new opponents this year except for one old familiar foe, Carver’s Bay who also moved up in classification.
Latta will be sporting a new pitcher, Hannah Jackson, who is a freshman. She is joined by Bailey Wiggins and Kaylie Miller, both sophomores.
Coach Ard expects to face some tough opponents this year in the competitive region consisting of Johnsonville, Carver’s Bay, and Andrews. Latta will also play some non-conference games against Hartsville, West Florence, and Dillon who will be very competitive, also.
Latta should be strong  in the infield with returning veteran players such as the catcher, Macy Hyatt, who has become very vocal and is already stepping up as a leader for the team. Macy has already signed earlier this year to play softball with Presbyterian College.
Genesis Anderson who anchors at first base has really stepped up at the plate on offense.
Coach Ard and her coaching staff have already begun moving several positions around and are trying to find the best combination for the team. They are attempting to build capacity in the outfield, behind the plate, and at first base knowing that Latta will be losing three seniors after this year.
Coach Ard exclaimed “This group is very talented and have been playing softball since they were little girls. We have many juniors and seniors this year that I am expecting to step up and lead the team. They put in a lot of hard work on skill, but we are going to focus a lot on the mental game this year. If these girls will learn to work together and play for each other, much will be accomplished. I am proud to coach these girls and thankful for the opportunity to be a part of their lives”.
Come to our softball games and support these Latta girls.

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