Christian County has seen their softball season end at the hands of Madisonville each of the past two seasons, part of a run that saw the Lady Maroons win four straight region titles. The Lady Colonels feel like they are ready to end Madisonville’s streak and bring home their first region title since 2012.
Coach Johnny Blane returns the entire roster from last year’s 31-8 team that advanced to the region title game for the second straight season.
Seniors Regan Hancock and Lexie O’Daniel return in the circle, while sophomore Hannah Sumner and eighth grader Riley Hancock will also see some time as they prepare for an increased work load in the coming years.
University of Kentucky commit Emmy Blane and senior Halle Rhea Hendricks anchor the left side of the infield at shortstop and third base respectively.
Murray State commit Tyler Shemwell and junior Macy Lancaster return in the outfield, and Taylor Shemwell is back behind the plate. Hope Jones and Reni Shemwell return on the right side.
The Lady Colonels should have one of the top offensive teams in the region. Blane says they have focused their attention in the offseason on defense and pitching. Christian County will also be helped with the return of several underclassmen that can fill a variety of roles throughout the season.
The Lady Colonel schedule is among the toughest in the state with 10 teams on their slate ranked in the preseason coaches’ top 25.
In addition, the Lady Colonels will be trekking to Alabama during spring break and will play Sparkman, the preseason Alabama Class 7A No. 1 team; Hatton, the defending Alabama Class 2A state champion; and Mortimer Jordan, the preseason No. 5 team in Class 5A among others.
WATCH: Regan Hancock says she is ready for the 2018 season
WATCH: Lexie O’Daniel says Lady Colonel pitching is improved