LEBANON—The Lady Pioneers have a new-look roster after eight players, including five starters, graduated. Facing a tough early season schedule in 2023, Lebanon started with only two wins in its first eight games. They ran the table when they started Hogoheegee District play, winning all ten games for the regular season championship.
They were upset in the Hogo tournament in the semifinals by eventual champion Rural Retreat. They defeated Grundy before suffering a 3-1 season-ending loss to eventual Region 1D champion Rye Cove in the semis.
Lebanon will be competitive with the move to the Southwest District.
“We have a lot of young players but also some experienced players who will help,” Lebanon coach Dennis Price said. We have many unanswered questions; most of the girls haven’t played together. Four positions are unfilled. We are very young, with only two seniors, but we’re optimistic. These girls will get after it. Although young, they have some skill and should be able to contribute immediately.”
Among the graduates were middle-of-order hitters Morgan Varney (.509) and Madison Hill (.381), so there will be some rebuilding to do.
The Pioneers return Erin Rasnake in the circle for her senior season, she finished with a 13-6 record last year. She had a 2.40 ERA with 109 strikeouts while only issuing 30 bases on balls.
“Erin has been with me for three years,” stated Price. “She has thrown most of the innings the last two years, and only lost one Hogoheegee District game in two years. Erin will have another good year; she is hard-working and loves the game.
Other returning starters are second baseman Kylan Brooks (so.). She batted lead-off and hit .444 last season with seven triples, three homers, and 16 RBIs. Number two-hitter Chloe Couch (so.) also returns off an impressive .316 season with 19 RBIs. Couch will move from third base to shortstop for the departed Varney. Kaitlynn Morrison (so.) and Katie Jones (sr.) are back in the outfield.
Lia Beck (so.) will likely be at first or third base after missing last year with an injury,
“Kylan and Chloe provide a lot of speed on the bases,” Price said. “Katie and Erin are our only seniors and will be our leaders. Morrison will be in centerfield most of the time. Lia is back and will be a big part of this team. Those are six good ones to build with. They are comfortable, and their experience at the varsity level will help them.”
There are five newcomers. Jaylynn Harris (so.) will be at catcher.
Lauren Horne (jr.) is an outfielder, and Chadyn Musick (fr.) will see time in the outfield and in the circle. Jaidyn Fields (fr.) is an infielder and catcher, and Abigail Skeen (fr.) could play anywhere for the Pioneers.
“They are a good group, and they’re working hard,” Price said. “All these kids play hard and give us all they got.
It should be a smooth transition from the Hogo to the Southwest District. Lebanon, Richlands, and Marion should battle for the top spot in the SWD. Tazewell’s star pitcher transferred to Tennessee High, and Graham will likely rebuild. In a stunning turn of events, Virginia High won’t field a varsity softball team this season.
“We’ve been in the SWD each year I’ve coached except for the last two,” Price said. “However, I don’t know a lot about the district. It will be a fresh start, but hopefully, we will have a good season.”