Tiger softball has bright future

MANCHESTER, Ky. – Fresh off an appearance in the 13^th Region Tournament semi-finals, the Clay County Lady Tiger softball team returns almost everyone next season in what should be a spectacular upcoming season. Clay County graduates starting centerfielder Sydney Stewart, a familiar presence in the outfield who will no doubt be missed. “Sydney played her hardest every time she stepped on the field,” said Coach Jason Rice. “Her bright smile and effort on the field will be missed dearly.”

The future is extremely bright in Clay County for the upcoming 2027 season, as basically the entire lineup returns. The Lady Tigers will be loaded to the brim with a talented senior class, featuring Madison Sizemore, Casey Lust and Alivia Hoskins. Sizemore finished this season batting .315 and provided strong play at 3^rd base. Lust, in her first year as a Lady Tiger batted .275 with a home run and 17 RBI’s and will look to build on that next year. Hoskins, who batted .384 with five home runs, will look to not only continue a stellar career in the batter’s box, but also a strong career in the pitching circle.

Coach Rice has high expectations for the underclassmen as well, as Emi Reynolds headlines the junior class, followed by a plethora of talented sophomores. Ryleigh Chesnut, Maddie Craft, Holly Hacker, Ella Samples and Anna Samples are all staples in the lineup who will be expected to strike fear into Clay County opponents. Anna Samples freshman season saw her bat .275 with four home runs, while her sister Ella added three home runs with a .287 average. It’s safe to say the Tiger lineup is in good hands.

Coach Rice also gets to see his talented 8^th grader turning freshman Annabelle Lovett continue her growth in the pitching circle. Lovett provided Clay County with another steady arm this season, giving them one of the deepest pitching rosters in the 13^th region. “It’s a benefit for sure,” said Rice. “We feel very confident in both Alivia and Annabelle, and either are capable of going the distance against anyone.”