Lady Indians have big shoes to fill

The Chiefland High softball program flew to new heights last year.

The Lady Indians finished with an awesome record of 25-5, they won district and regional crowns and made it to the state "Final Four"in Plant City.

Pitcher Megan Weatherford was Class 3A Player of the Year. Other valuable seniors included catcher Whitney Mills, shortstop Kari Stephens, second baseman Amanda Hinote and outfielder Kearston Andrews.

The loss of those key starters makes for an challenging 2008 season for Wayne Weatherford, a 2007 Coach of the Year finalist.

The only starters back are Cassie Labat, Amie Biehl, Brittany Arrington and Brittany Davis.

Labat is back at third base. Biehl moves from center field to shortstop. Arrington goes from right field to center, while Davis goes from first base to pitcher.

Although she is off to slow start, senior Labat is solid at the hot corner. Biehl, who is just a sophomore, has all the tools to make the plays at shortstop. Arrington is a steadying force in center.

Davis will do her best to fill the shoes of Weatherford in the pitching circle.

"She's the only pitcher we've got,"Weatherford said. "I pray every day that she doesn't get injured."

Weatherford is still waiting for a girl or two to step up and be a leader. Hence, no one has yet been named a captain or co-captains.

First base is being manned by junior Shelbie Hastings. Brooke Williams has looked good at second base so far. Senior Hagen Lewis is the catcher.

There are a number of faces in left and right fields.

Senior Amye Grieves has played both early in the season. Juniors Lyndsie Stalvey, Tina Russell and Katelynn Allen are also vying for playing time.

Junior Rebekka Wilkerson will be a designated hitter.

Freshman Janessa Barrios is a jack-of-all-trades utility player.

Weatherford looks for Williston and P.K. Yonge to be tough district foes this season.