Gulf Coast State Softball Team Opens Season 14-0
The Gulf Coast Lady Commodores are off to a hot start with 14 straight wins. The season opened up at the JUCO Kickoff Classic in Clearwater, Florida. After debuting 5 wins in south Florida, the Commodores returned home for 4 games. In the home opener all games ended with the “run-rule” except the first that was only one run away. Heading into the Visit Dothan/Chipola Tournament, the ladies were ready to face the challenge in front of them. Their hard work is paying off and can be credited to good leadership and young players stepping up.
So far this season, the Commodore softball team has outscored their opponents 126-28, showcased a team batting average of .409, and the pitching staff recording 114 strikeouts. Scot Thomas commented on the success so far. “We’ve done a great job, we are getting better, we have a lot left to play, it feels good we are taking care of business, but it’s still early… we need to stay on track and not get too proud of ourselves… I’m real(lly) pleased with the way we have played, especially this past weekend.” Thomas also added that the season is “not a sprint but a journey” and wants his team to keep from being “complacent”.
When asked about the younger players on the team Thomas stated “we knew we were going to be faster, that team speed has shown up. We are getting quality at bats out of the younger players, as well as the older players, which is really big, and we are taking care of the ball behind the pitchers…” Breakout freshmen include right fielder Collier Peaden who has started the season hot with a .577 batting average and left fielder Jabby Terrell with a .511 batting average. Hitting is really setting the team apart from others with the team having 11 home runs and 11 triples (first in NJCAA).
Not only have the hitters had a breakout beginning to the season, but Coach Thomas also had a lot to say about his pitchers. He commented that everything the staff has been asked to do has turned out in a positive light and the overall effort does not go unnoticed. Sophomore pitcher Graceanne Spears has dominated on the mound so far. She has recorded 32 innings with 58 strikeouts. Savanna Wood has also recorded 28 innings with 34 strikeouts. Both pitchers put up competitive ERA’s with Spears at .880 and Wood at .460.
The Commodore softball team is back on the road this weekend competing in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
