By Gene Stanley/Correspondent
Gadsden City High hasn’t had the best of luck when it comes to softball.
Kevin Young hopes to change all of that.
The second-year coach wants his team to be competitive, at least, with hopes of doing better in the near future.
“I want us to compete for and win some games,” Young said. “That’s not always been the case at Gadsden City. I think we can turn the corner and get it headed in the right direction.”
The ingredients appear to be in place with a youthful roster and a coach with a solid baseball background.
The Titans field only one senior in first baseman Alison McCoy to go with a handful of sophomores and juniors.
“We’re very young,” Young said. “We’re going to rely on Alison for senior leadership. She is a like a coach on the field.”
McCoy has played softball since the seventh grade.
The team’s main pitcher is freshman Cassidy Underwood, who also pitched last year.
“Cassidy won’t throw the ball past anyone,” Young said. “But she has a lot of pitches. She throws just about every kind of off-speed pitch there is. She’s got a really good change-up to complement the fastball, and she is very good at hitting her spot.”
Sophomore Elizabeth Kantzler may show up on a lineup card in almost any position.
“She can catch and she can play infield or outfield,” Young said. “And she’ll bat leadoff for us a lot. She’s got good speed but isn’t the fastest girl on the team. But she gets the bat on the ball, and just putting it in play is so big in softball.”
Last year, freshman Sidney Boatner played tennis. This year, she opted for softball and will be a key player.
“We’ll bat her in the 3 or 4 spot most of the time,” Young said. “Sidney’s a very consistent batter.”
Freshman center fielder Lindsey Tomlinson will be the Titans’ defensive base.
“She plays better defense than anybody else on the team,” Young said. “And she’s a good setup type of pitcher because she throws so hard.”
Gadsden City’s Class 6A, Area 13 rivals include Oxford, Clay-Chalkville and Pell City.