CHARMCO- With spring approaching slowly but surely, the air already has that smell that one notices as soon as they walk out the front door for their commute to work, school, or just wherever one may be going.
It’s softball season.
And for the Greenbrier West Lady Cavaliers, it is arguably the best and most fun time of year.
Greenbrier West, which has enjoyed major success in the sports world the last couple of years, hits the field this season with a strong core of players returning from last year’s team that went 25-4, hit the ball at an out-of-this-world pace, and reached the state tournament.
Replacing players like Emma Ames, Michaela Alley, Peyton Sprong, and Desteney Walker will provide certain challenges, but the team seems poised to move forward.
Multiple sport all-stater Preslee Treadway returns at shortstop for her junior season where she displays excellent athleticism in the field, and at the plate, she sets the bar high for anyone around her. In 2023, she hit .525, had seven home runs, 40 RBIs, and scored 39 runs.
First team all-state utility selection Brilee Redden is also back for her second season. As a freshman last year, Redden burst onto the softball scene and immediately became the Cavs No. 1 starter on the mound, which she will be again this season. Her ERA was just 1.38 and she struck out 175 batters, but the sophomore is also a reliable hitting option as well and hit .483, drove in 30 runs, and scored 39 more herself.
Maddie Fields, an honorable mention all-state pick last year will return in right field and may play some center field and even pitch when needed. The junior was also a hitting machine a year ago and hit .440, with three home runs and 32 RBIs. On the basepaths, her instinctive running and speed helped her steal 27 bases a year ago without getting caught.
Hannah Sweet (left field), one of just two seniors on the roster, and Brooke Patterson (center) round out the outfielders for the Lady Cavaliers and gives Greenbrier West one of the better outfields in Class A.
At first base, junior Kyndall Taylor will start (and see time on the pitching hill) and beside her at second will be freshman Diana Porter. Brooklyn Adkins will start at third and the other senior, the tough, hard-nosed Julia Herndon returns at catcher, a place where she was as good as anyone a year ago.
Coach Tony Hinkle and his assistants have been ready to get this season going for a while as the team has their eye on a second consecutive regional title and another state tournament appearance which would keep the unprecedented success of Cavalier athletics going strong.
Fans can see the Cavs hit the field on Wednesday, March 13 at home against Summers County.
West’s Full Roster for 2024:
Name: Number: Grade:
Julia Herndon 9 12
Hannah Sweet 11 12
Preslee Treadway 2 11
Maddie Fields 10 11
Brooke Patterson 14 11
Kyndall Taylor 8 11
Lacey Walker 13 11
Keylee Clere 15 11
Brilee Redden 12 10
Brooklyn Adkins 6 10
Ava Price 1 10
Makenna Fields 5 10
Diana Porter 3 9
Kaelyn Bevins 7 9
Jenna Hunter 20 9
