The Lady Stallions girls softball team is suddenly getting some notice. The team had a 5-13 record last season and is expected to turn things around this year.  The team leader and captain is standout Jenna McCauley, a sophomore who was hand picked by three-time Olympian Leah O’Brien-Amico after attending a softball training camp put on by softball legend Jennie Finch from Gastonia to become a member of America’s Team. She competed this past summer in Germany has put the Lady Stallions on the radar.
Jenna had a batting average of .583, 5 HR’s, 24 RBI’s, 4 doubles, 13 stolen bases, OBP .667, OPS 1.778, and SLG 1.111 in her freshman year and is expected to duplicate and exceed these outstanding statistics. She can also play every position on the field and will be their number one starting pitcher. Jenna was named honorable mention on the All-Conference team as a freshman, and was nominated to the All-District, and All-State teams. She is highly recruited and has currently made an early verbal commitment to the Division I UNC Wilmington softball program.
Other key players for the Lady Stallions are Gabby Cahill, co-captain, who is the number two player on the team and will anchor the infield at shortstop and contribute offensively. The team will consist of 8 sophomores and 5 freshman. Ashleigh Aberly, who was the lower school first baseman is expected to start and provide power in the lineup. As a freshman, she is expected to become a force over the next four seasons.  Ashleigh was a bright spot on the Lady Stallions basketball team and is both strong and athletic.  Destiny Massey, a local product of MHAA, will start at third base and is expected to make a solid contribution. “Outfielders freshman Sofia Gotta and sophomore Kelli Szaibel are expected to make a positive impact,” said second year Coach McCauley.
The remaining players are primarily first time varsity participants and the coach will have to evaluate what positions they can play and how each player can make a positive contribution to the team. “We are very optimistic offensively, we are in good shape defensively; however, we need to improve in the outfield and behind the plate at the catching position. Also, we are not deep in pitching, which will present a challenge for the Lady Stallions.”
“In the conference, North Stanly, South Stanly, and Gray Stone Day will be the teams to beat. We will have to find ways to compete and win close games to make a serious impact in the Uwharrie Athletic Conference,” said Coach McCauley.
