By Mahlyk Davis

Sports Editor

With high expectations coming into the season, the South softball team has not disappointed.

The Lady Jaguars got off to a fast start and show promise going forward. Their record is 20-2 with their only losses coming to Blue Springs and to Lee’s Summit West.

Head coach Kristi Williams said why she believes this year’s team can and will do big things.

“Every once in a while you get a team that is different. Not only does this team have a ton of talent, but they are closer than any team we’ve had before. And it shows on and off the field,” Williams said.

The team took a trip to St. Louis earlier in the season for a tournament. In route to winning the championship and going undefeated against some of the top teams in the state, the Jaguars were also able to tour Busch Stadium. Senior outfielder Bailey Fowler tells what she found the most memorable about the trip.

“You would think a three hour bus ride would be dreadful, but it flew by with my teammates. Once we got to St. Louis it was amazing the way our team gelled together to take the tournament. It was a trip I will never forget,” Fowler said. Last season the team was extremely diverse, with players ranging from Freshmen to Seniors. The current team, however, is lead by mostly Juniors and Seniors with just two Sophomores.

“This year’s team was rich with varsity experience coming into this season and it has shown. The girls hit the ground running and have shown no signs of slowing down,” Williams said.

Senior third baseman Madi Hecker broke the school record for batting average last season (.525) and received All-State honors. She explains how her position in the lineup has helped her continue her terror at the plate during her senior season.

“The girls ahead of me always do a great job of getting on base so most of the time when I go up I have someone to drive in. And with Mack (Musgrove) hitting the ball the way she is behind me I always seem to get pitches to hit,” Hecker said.

The Jaguars will be in action again on Tuesday against Ray-Pec at home.