Lady Bulldogs’ Coach pleased with pitching options

First year Head Softball Coach for the 2019 Lady Bulldogs, Melissa Mora said when she first heard of a vacancy in the role, she knew she had to apply.

“I attended Fulton City Schools from preschool through graduation. It was always a goal of mine to return to the place that gave me such a love for the game,” she said.

She describes her coaching methodology as a “mix of all the great coaches I had in high school and college. I think my biggest strength will be my ability to bond with my players.”

Mora indicated she had some ideas as to who she wanted to play at each position, but added at this time, no spots are guaranteed.

“So if they want it, they are going to have to come everyday ready to earn it,” she said.

The team’s youthful roster will serve as both a challenge and a potential strength, Mora said.

“This team has an amazing potential, but lacks experience. But, the best part about them being young is that they have the time to grow together and continue to improve as a team,” the coach said.

This year’s Lady Bulldogs’ roster includes two seniors, Kereni Ware and Hannah Pannell, two juniors, Chantel Goldsberry and Sherrell Walker, a sophomore, Jada Martin, two freshmen, Elizabeth Pirtle and Takyra Taylor. Joining the high schoolers will be eighth graders LeAndra Randel, McKenzie Smith, Mia Martin, Brittany Maclin and seventh graders Jayden Watson and Asia Patton.

According to Mora, Pannell and Walker not only step up as leaders on the field, but also in the classroom and in the community.

“They never fail to help other players, and they always have a coachable attitude, going above and beyond in all that they do,” Mora said.

Currently, there are four Lady Bulldogs who can rotate as pitcher, and each is able to throw the ball “fairly well.”

The two standouts seem to be Jada Martin and McKenzie Smith with Martin more consistent and controlled, and Smith appearing to possess more power and speed.

In the hitting department, Pannell, Smith, Martin and Takyra Taylor have strong bats, with Jayden Watson, Brittany Maclin, Sherrell Walker and LeAndra Randle exhibiting strong base running abilities.

Defensively, Pannell at shortstop and third, Martin behind the plate as catcher, Walker in center field and Elizabeth Pirtle at second are the contenders.

“I can’t say where we will be by the middle of the season, but I do know that we have the potential to have some good wins under our belt if these girls work hard, play consistently and work together,” Mora said.