Preseason Interview - Union Pines Softball

Preseason Interview -- Union Pines Softball

The Lady Vikings finished last season as conference runner-ups. Graduation took away the Vikings' number one pitcher, Madison Wagner, who was named an all-conference player, so they will need to find a new leader on the mound. Also graduating over the summer was 3rd baseman and pitcher Marissa Fuller who was conference player of the year. Outfielder Allison DeMassi also graduated.

Head Coach Michael Jarman is looking a head with their program. The future Varsity players, including the freshman class, have impressed him. “We had a good fall, and winter workouts, and our players are excited to get back on the field. We have a good turnout for tryouts, and we will have a very good JV team,” said Jarman.

The goal is the same as every year for the Vikings and that to win a conference championship and advance to the state playoffs. “We have great morale, and our team chemistry is getting better and better, but we play in a tough conference,” said Jarman.

This season the Vikings have an inexperienced pitching staff and will rely on the defense and good bat swinging. They will also look to a dugout of seniors for experience. “We are senior loaded, with returning starters Corryn McCutchen, Nicole Norman, Ada Guiterrez, Natalie Auman, and newcomer Kyleigh McNeil. Juniors Elizabeth Andrews, and Trinity Whitt, and Sophomores Kileigh Cameron, and Allie Bauer. All are capable of having a big year for us,” said Jarman. “We are a player led team. One of the most exciting teams I have had. It’s a long season, and we have a tough schedule. We have high expectations.”

The Vikings open their season Tuesday the 27th at home against Harnett Central. First pitch will be at 7 p.m.

Below is the Viking Schedule:

2/27 vs Harnett Central 7:00pm

3/5 @ Lee County* 6:00pm

3/6 vs Pinecrest* 7:00pm

3/7 @ Harnett Central 6:30pm

3/12 @ Scotland* 7:00pm

3/19 @ Hoke County* 7:00pm

4/3 @ Apex 6:00pm

4/4 vs Cape Fear 6:30pm

4/5 vs Lee County* 6:00pm

4/10 @ Heritage 5:00pm

4/12 vs Scotland* 7:00pm

4/19 vs Hoke County* 7:00pm

4/23 @ Southern Lee* 6:00pm

4/24 vs West Johnston 7:00pm

4/25 @ Pinecrest* 7:00pm