Alto's depth to lend Heaven a helping hand
Lady Jackets look to extend district dynasty to 10 years
BY LELAND ACKER

Alto pitcher Heaven Lyles returns to the lineup after leading the Lady Jackets to the regional quarterfinals her freshman year. Coach Sharon Reid said a good defense is needed to back up a good pitcher.

After a regional quarterfinal appearance last year behind a freshman pitcher, Alto Lady Jacket softball fans are hoping for a heavenly season this year. However, Head Coach Sharon Reid says the Lady Jackets need more than the pitching of Heaven Lyles.

"Once they start hitting late in the game, you have to have something backing up your pitcher," Coach Reid said. "You have to have defense."

Still, Coach Reid's optimism is being fueled, not only by Lyles' continued improvement, but also over the increased versatility of this year's team.

"I've never had so many girls on the team," she said. "We have 17. We've never had this much depth before.

"Speed is another real asset we have this year."

As for Lyles, Coach Reid said the sophomore pitcher is already ahead of the game.

"When comparing last year to this year, she's ahead of the game," she said. "She's thinking a lot more, asking more questions and she's matured a lot."

PHOTOS: LELAND ACKER Katina Sturns stares down a pitch during batting practice. The Alto Lady Jackets will play in the Center tournament this weekend.

Coach Reid said last year's playoff experience helped develop Lyles as a leader on the team. Alto's questionable areas so far are the corners.

"We lost two good corners last year (third baseman Margo Kahla and first baseman Molly Pearman)," she said. "We have two freshmen rotating in at first base, Holly Huddleston and Logan Smith."

With district play beginning March 4, The Lady Jackets are working to continue Alto's real athletic tradition, winning softball district titles. If Alto wins the district championship this season, it will be their tenth consecutive title.

"I've been here six years, and we have won district every year," Coach Reid said. "We've been to the regional semifinals once and the quarterfinals every other year."

Alto opened the season in the Hudson tournament, beating Big Sandy 13-2 and Center 5-4. They lost to traditional 2A power, Central Heights 2-1 and tied Teague 5-5.

"Center has a fantastic pitcher," Coach Reid said. "She's a freshman throwing in the 60 m.p.h. range."

Coach Reid said the toughest district opponents this season will be Douglass, Martinsville and Mount Enterprise. The Lady Jackets open district play at home with a doubleheader against Mount Enterprise March 4.