Published Tuesday, April 08, 2008 8:06 AM
Updated Tuesday, April 08, 2008 8:07 AM

 

Lady Wolves lead pack into 2008’s home stretch

Cautious optimism is the order of the day for Timberland’s Lady Wolves softball coach Joy Elizondo, and that’s cutting a wary eye at her rain-soaked softball field and a hopeful glance at the roiling gray sky overhead.

The Lady Wolves softball team has been firing on all cylinders since the first pitch this spring and they don’t want to lose any momentum because of rainouts as the 2008 season rounds the clubhouse turn and heads into the home stretch.

After an unexpected week off due to an uncooperative Mother Nature that has washed an entire week’s worth of games off the schedule, Elizondo’s Wolves will try and regroup on Monday just like everybody else.

Weather permitting, of course.

The last time the Lady Wolves took the field it was March, going nine innings to beat Andrews 4-3, upping their 2008 record to 10-2 and riding a current six-game winning streak.

“We are playing well,” Elizondo said. “We’re hitting well and our pitching is strong.”

According to Elizondo though, the heart and soul of the Lady Wolves this season is senior southpaw Shelly Grimsley.

“Shelly and I sat down in the November when we started weightlifting to discuss team goals and our vision for the up coming season,” Elizondo said. “We talked about how she wanted her career at Timberland High School to end.

“Shelly told me she wanted a banner on the wall for softball.”

Grimsley and her coach reviewed the good and bad from the 2007 season and came up with a game plan.

“We went over our strength and weakness of last season,” Elizondo said. “How we lost region in the bottom of the 10th inning to Bluffton last year and we didn't like that too much. We discussed leadership, what it takes to win and her role as leader of this team.”

If the Lady Wolves’ 10-2 record and position near the top spot of the Region 7-AAA standings, Grimsley so far has realized some of those goals.

“Shelly has answered so far. Shelly has pitched some of the best ball games of her career at Timberland this season. She led us to a big 4-0 victory over regional rivals Bluffton. She gave them their first ever regional lost with the help of the defensive behind her.”

For Elizondo, pitching is as much brain strength as arm strength and Grimsley exudes a lot of both.

“Shelly is one of the smartest pitchers I've ever coached,” she said. “She knows how to work a batter. She is a placement pitcher that can hit her spots and that remains Timberland softball's biggest strength.”

Elizondo points to several highlights in the 2008 season that has attributed to the Lady Wolves’ current success.

“Amanda Gainey came back on a mission for the 2008 season to hit better than last season. She went from being DH for last year to being one of our top hitters this season.  She’s playing with more confidence than I ever seen her play. She's a vocal leader on the field as well.”

Eighth grader Macy Gatlin leads the team in hitting at a .546 clip.

“Macy Gatlin’s presence on the field and at the plate continues to be a big confidence booster for our team,” Elizondo said. “Macy leads the team in hits, runs, RBIs and stolen bases. Macy loves the game of softball and it shows every time she steps on the field. She's one to watch – and just an eighth grader. You gotta love that!”

Following behind Gatlin are sophomores Kristen Cooper at .344 and Vicky Grimsley hitting .333, junior Amanda Gainey at .289 and Grimsley hitting .285.

“Kristen Cooper is a first year varsity player and our number two hitter. She was playing third during preseason and suffered an arm injury. We moved her to first where she has remained and that has proven to be a great place for her in the line up.”

Following in big sister Shelly’s shoes little sister Vicky, a sophomore.

“Vicky has a perfect record as a varsity pitcher playing as a back up pitcher for her big sister this year, but will get her chance to fill those big shoes next year. She is hitting .333 and has improved her bunting game this season as well.”

Where the younger Grimsley has shined this year has been at catcher.

“Vicky has got an arm behind the plate that will send you back to the dugout and a great understanding of this game.”

Kaitlyn Carr overcame several changes of position and continued to excel in the first half of 2008 according to her coach.

“Kaitlyn is a player that we have move from centerfield to shortstop to second to third and all around again and she has come through for us. She has an arm that is blistering. Trust me - we've all felt the sting of her ball. It's a running joke on the team. She is just an all around athlete. With a little more fine-tuning Kaitlyn will be a big part of this team's success.”

The Lady Wolves bring strength and depth from all ends of the dugout, any coach’s dream. That fact is not lost on Elizondo this year.

“DeAndra Beauford is our most improved all around player from last season,” she said. “DeAndra is making the plays in the outfield, something we needed very badly last year. We lost some games due to errors in the outfield last year and it's one of our strengths this year. I'm very proud of the girls’ efforts in the outfield.”

Latoya Vice senior right fielder, Mallory Powers DH, and Kristen Fertig left fielder are capable when called upon to help out with the efforts,” Elizondo added. “They work hard and remain ready.”

The Lady Wolves hope to have third sacker Jenna Carr back at full speed shortly as the softball schedule rounds the final turn on the 2008 season and region playoffs await.

“Jenna has been suffering from some recurring injuries the past two weeks and we hope to have her back to full speed for the Bluffton game on Monday.”

On her team’s health as a whole, Elizondo sees the rain as a chance to get well.

“We hope to recover from some of the injuries that we are having this season and make a strong run in the second round of regional play. The girls are playing with confidence this season and it has made all the difference for us.”