It's youth versus experience in Lady Warriors opener

In Eminence's first softball game of this season, Shelby County had a slugfest while the Lady Warriors struggled on both sides of the ball, resulting in a 16-0 win for Shelby after just three innings of play.

It was the fourth game of the season for the Lady Rockets, who defeated Spencer County (15-0) and Butler (5-0), and lost to Scott County (5-3). Meanwhile, the weather kept the Lady Warriors off the field until they met the tough Shelby squad last Tuesday night in Shelbyville.

"It wasn't a very good game to open for us," Eminence coach Dewayne Douglas said afterwards. "My infield consisted of two seventh graders, two eighth graders and a freshman, while Shelby was playing juniors and seniors. We're just so young right now. It was youth versus experience."

The Lady Warriors couldn't cross home plate during the lopsided contest, but they didn't leave empty handed. Playing a team of Shelby's caliber can provide more than a check in the loss column.

"It showed us the level we would like to play at," Douglas said. "Right now, we just need the experience."

Kassidy Dees, who is enrolled in the Kentucky Academy of Math and Science program at Western Kentucky University, had to miss the contest, which moved Ashley Wilson, the secondary pitcher, to the pitcher's circle. Wilson didn't walk any batters, but the Rockets' offensive play resembled batting practice with 13 hits through three innings, and the Lady Warriors committed countless errors.

"I thought Ashley pitched well," Douglas said of the senior who also plays second base. "Our team just made a lot of mistakes behind her."

At the plate, Eminence managed to put a player on third base during the second inning. Jessica Adams connected for a single, then was moved around to third with Candace Wells' hit. But Adams and Wells were left stranded on base after another out.

Following the previous few weeks of training and the Shelby game, Douglas has been pleasantly surprised with the play he's seen from first-year player Rachel Raisor. The freshman usually plays right field, but was moved to second base against Shelby.

"She has great range and athleticism," Douglas said. "She has really impressed me."

The Lady Warriors were back in action Monday when they traveled to Gallatin County, they hosted Gallatin Tuesday and will play again this Thursday at Frankfort. Game time is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

"We have such a long way to go," Douglas said. "This team will start to gel in May, like we did last year. We should be competitive then. Right now, we just need experience."

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