This past weekend, April 29th – May 1st, Stanly Community College’s Lady Eagles Softball Team finished their season with something of a flourish. After a regular-season finish with 15 wins and 13 losses, they were in Greenville, NC for the Region X Tournament. On Friday morning they played Southeastern Community College, winning handily 9-1. After a short break they were bracketed against regional powerhouse, Pitt Community College and their lead pitcher, Charity Watson, Pitcher of the Year and 3-time, NJCAA national pitcher of the week. Kati King started in the circle for Stanly and after doing a super job was replaced by Jessica Roberts after 3 innings, who also pitched extremely well. The game went 12 innings and lasted some 3 hours and 40 minutes. Before it was over King and Roberts had both been in the circle twice for multiple innings. After 11 innings the score was still 0-0 and was lost 1-0 in the bottom of the 12th.

Coach Rogers says that Lady Eagles Softball is on a roll and that great things are to be expected from them next year. Only two players from this years squad have reached the end of their eligibility (Hilary Armenta-C and Lauren Helms-1B) and the rest are expected to return, which will give an excellent core; and when added to the really good recruiting class of incoming freshmen, along with other factors, should give Stanly a real opportunity to make a run at a Regional championship.

Also, several Stanly players have made an impact regionally and recognized as such:

• Lauren Helms – 1B – Academic All-American
• Jessica Roberts – P/SS – 1st Team All Region Pitcher
• Hilary Armenta – C – 1st Team All Region Catcher
• Kati King – P/SS – All Tournament (at Regional Tournament) and Honorable Mention Infield
• Courtney Moore – 3B/C – Honorable Mention Infield
• Lyndsey Yow – 2B – Honorable Mention Infield

The Lady Eagles will be having Field Day and tryouts at their home field at Officer Jeff Shelton Memorial Park at Locust, starting at 3:00 PM on Wednesday, June 23rd. This will be a “meet and greet” day along with skills. Returners and incoming freshmen will be there and all current or incoming students at Stanly who would like to try out are invited. Parents are also invited. Hamburgers / hotdogs will be served at the conclusion.

Furthermore, Lady Eagles Softball in conjunction with the Carolina Storm Softball organization will be conducting a summer camp for young players July 12th through July 15th at the same location in Locust. Enrollment and registration information will be forthcoming.