The Alexander City Outlook

Coosa softball wins first game

Central-Coosa head coach C.A. Doyle says this year’s team is the most talented one he’s had in 13 years. After losing just one senior, few question marks surround the Lady Cougars.

On Thursday, Central showed how dangerous it could be by hanging a six-spot on the scoreboard in the sixth inning of a 1-1 game to defeat B.B. Comer 7-1 in the first contest of the year.

“Fundamentally, this team is the best I’ve ever had,” Doyle said. “All 13 players can play and hit. Whether they perform is another story.”

With two outs in the sixth inning on Thursday, they began to perform. With two runners on, Torri Roberson and Haylee Spivey came through with back-to-back triples to make it 4-1.

Teryn Dennis and Railyn Woodfin followed with singles to give pitcher Katie Smith some insurance.

Smith, one of three seniors along with Kristin Buckhannon and Jessica Culpepper, fanned 14 batters and gave up three hits and four walks in a complete-game win.

Center fielder Alegna Smoot, who batted .393 last year, started out 2010 right with two hits and two runs. Ali Thomas went 1-for-3 with an RBI for the Lady Cougars.

There were a couple of things Doyle wants to improve on, however.

“We had the bases loaded in the first and third inning with no outs and did not score,” Doyle said. “We need to take advantage of those situations. We need to worked on executing a bunt and putting the ball in play when the situation arises.”

The Lady Cougars were regular-season area champs last year, though they were ousted from the playoffs in the area tournament.

“The girls have been there,” Doyle said. “After winning area in the regular season and not getting to go far in the playoffs, they seem to be motivated to get back and do better.”

Central-Coosa next plays on Monday, when Dadeville comes to town.