SHS softball returns big bats, senior leaders
Published 3:00 pm Friday, February 9, 2018
- Savannah Brown is one of six seniors and some big hitters in Suwannee’s lineup.
LIVE OAK, Fla. — Suwannee has fielded some excellent softball teams in recent years, but it’s been Baker County standing in the way in the playoffs.
With six seniors and plenty of power throughout the lineup again, the Bulldogs are hoping this is the year they can go even further.
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“There’s a lot of senior leadership, SHS coach Jeff Smith said. “Some incoming freshman are going to help us out.
| Feb. 15 | at Columbia | 7 p.m. |
| Feb. 20 | Santa Fe | 7 p.m. |
| Feb. 23 | at Trenton | 7 p.m. |
| Feb. 27 | at Madison County | 7 p.m. |
| Feb. 28 | at Bolles | 5 p.m. |
| March 2-3 | Santa Fe Tournament | TBD |
| March 6 | at Santa Fe | 7 p.m. |
| March 9 | Baker County | 7 p.m. |
| March 16 | at Baker County | 7 p.m. |
| March 20 | Columbia | 7 p.m. |
| March 22 | Trenton | 7 p.m. |
| March 23-24 | at Daytona Tournament | TBD |
| April 3 | Trinity | 6 p.m. |
| April 5 | at Williston | 7 p.m. |
| April 6 | West Nassau | 7 p.m. |
| April 10 | Bolles | 5 p.m. |
| April 12 | Madison County | 7 p.m. |
| April 16 | Williston | 7 p.m. |
| April 20 | at West Nassau | 7 p.m. |
“Our offense is going to be as good or maybe a little better than last year.”
Depth may be an issue as Suwannee has just 11 players, but the team is loaded with talent once again.
Offensively, Suwannee is led by shortstop Savannah Brown, who has signed to play for Division II power Valdosta State. Brown hit .423 with eight home runs and 10 stolen bases last season. Maci Brown and Skylar Redish can provide some pop in the middle of the order while Caileigh Croft (.395 batting average, .500 on-base percentage, eight stolen bases in 2017) will be the table-setter at the top of the lineup.
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Suwannee’s ace pitcher Brandi Davis missed some time at the end of last year with an injury. Smith said she is feeling good now. But he plans to save her more for the end of the season.
Freshman Kaiya Hurst will see some innings in the circle for Suwannee as well as sophomore Mackenzie Taylor, who did a good job for the Bulldogs last season after moving up from JV.
Smith said Hurst will also play some second base. Carson Frier, another freshman, gives the Bulldogs options as a third baseman and catcher.
“The girls have a great attitude,” Smith said. “I’m looking forward to a good season.”
Suwannee plays its final preseason game tonight, hosting Dixie County at 7 p.m. SHS will be on the road Thursday for the regular season opener against Columbia.
