As usual, the Christian County Lady Colonels will be the favorite to capture the District 8 softball title, but any hopes of making it back to the state tournament could come down to pitching.
Lady Colonels’ coach Sheri Hancock said the team already has had somewhat of a setback as No. 1 pitcher Jordan Turner is coming off an offseason injury and isn’t ready to go in the circle just yet. Turner was the No. 2 pitcher last year as graduated senior Gracie Harned (12-10, 3.36 ERA, 145 K) was the No. 1. As a result of Turner’s injury, senior Avery Adcock, who has signed to play at the University of Missouri, will step in until Turner can take over.
In addition to Adcock, Hancock said freshman Alyssa Patterson will see some time in the pitching circle.
The Lady Colonels are coming of a 21-16-1 season a year ago and return most of their starting lineup including Adcock, who hit .533 with 32 RBI, nine home runs and eight doubles and stole 23 bases a year ago. Freshman Chloe Almy (.286, 18 RBI, six doubles) and junior Jayda Turner (.255, seven doubles) will bolster the offense along with freshman Alondra Rodriguez, who transferred from Clarksville.
Hancock said her team could also be a threat on the base paths and should put pressure on the defense.
Hancock said she has told her team they have to hit to play. Eighth grader Alexis Epps and seventh grader Talyn Ezell also will be pushing for a spot in the starting lineup.
The Lady Colonels also are playing their usual difficult schedule this year.
The Lady Colonels open the season Monday at home in a District 8 game against Fort Campbell.
2025 Christian County Lady Colonels
Coach: Sheri Hancock (5th Year)
2024 Record: 21-16-1
Key Losses: Gracie Harned (P)
Key Returners: Avery Adcock (P/SS), Jordan Turner (P), Chloe Almy (OF), Jazzy Tejada (DP).
Key Newcomers: Alyssa Petterson (IF/P), Alondra Rodriguez (2B).
Coach’s Outlook: “It comes down to pitching. Jordan should be back in a couple of weeks (2-3). We are going to take it real slow though. She will be on a pitch count the first few weeks back.”
Opening Day Lineup:
P – Adcock
C – Haley Petterson
1B – Katie Smith
2B – Rodriguez
3B – Jayda Turner
SS – Alyssa Petterson
LF – Aly Grant
CF – Jada Miller
RF – Almy
DP – Tejada
Photo by Joe Wilson