Troup counting on frosh

With four freshmen in the starting lineup, Troup's Lady Tigers are hoping the influx of youth will be the difference for last year's fifth place 19-2A finisher.

Behind the pitching talents of freshman Jessica Ross, the team jumped out to a 4-1 nonconference record before facing stiff 3A and 4A competition in the Henderson Tournament.

The early success builds on the team's momentum from the end of last season, when the Lady Tigers fell just short in a neck-and-neck race for the fourth spot in an eight-team district and were on the bubble to earn a playoff berth for most of the second half of the season.

With all of that team returning except graduate Abby Darden, second-year head coach Lisa Sandoval is expecting bigger and better things.

"We're excited. This team has a lot of potential and our freshmen are really helping us out," said Sandoval. The team's four ninth-grade starters are shortstop Lauren Fite, second base Chealsey Tomlin, left fielder Josey Mallory and the aforementioned Jessica Ross.

The young hurler has been a particular blessing for the team, drawing praises from Sandoval, as well as notice from opponents.

"The Spring Hill coach came up and complimented her - said she really handcuffed them," said Sandoval. "She's been playing excellent."

Jessica and sister Janna Ross (one of the team's four seniors) were named to the Henderson All Tournament team along with Fite.

Other seniors are the team are Valerie York, Alysha Barton and Casey Sanford.

The Lady Tigers season began with a 9-0 shutout of Overton. Jessica Ross struck out 12 and gave away just one hit.

Offensively, Fite and Carolanne Martin led with two doubles each. Barton recorded an unassisted double play to lead the defense.

In their second outing, Troup managed just one hit against Bullard and relied on strong defense to hold the Lady Panthers to a trio of runs in the 3-0 loss.

The Lady Tigers entered the Henderson Tournament with a 1-1 record and quickly saw that improve to 4-1 with wins over Gilmer, Jacksonville and Sabine before losses to Pine Tree, Henderson and Spring Hill.

The 3-2 win over Sabine, her former school, is the early season highlight for Sandoval.

"The game was very intense. It came down to who was going to make a mistake," she said. "We just wanted it more."

The Lady Tigers dropped their district opener to Garrison and will have to make up last Friday's home game with Arp, which was canceled in the second inning due to lightning. That contest is scheduled for Wednesday, March 10.

As the girls get their bats going and improve base-running skills, Sandoval predicts the young team will hit its stride and push expected district frontrunners Tatum and Arp.

And with a state-winning group of eighth-grade girls waiting in the wings, the future looks bright for the Troup softball program.