Weddle continues to change the culture with the Lady Bulldogs

Published 8:57 am Wednesday, March 15, 2023

By Ron Marvel

Star Correspondent

Coach Weddle is working hard to change the culture with the Hampton Lady Bulldogs and while the going may be slow at times, she is starting to see the fruits of her labor. One of the challenges facing her this year is the loss of several players as the Hampton basketball teams have made it to Murfreesboro in the State Championship; the Lady Bulldogs have players involved in both basketball and cheer. But despite the challenges, she will steer the ship forward. She has girls that love the game of softball and are buying into what Coach Weddle is selling, “we are getting the community involved and the name of Hampton Softball into the community; we have a group of girls who love this game and want to grab the communities interest “ Coach Weddle shared. Last year’s Alumni Game was one of the ways she has worked towards getting the community more involved. The roof and block in the home’s dugout recently took substantial damage after a windstorm; this could be another obstacle in Coach Weddle’s way, but like every other challenge, she has taken it in stride. “We are in danger of losing some home games,” Coach Weddle shared; her toughness with these obstacles will no doubt reflect in her team this season moving forward.

This year’s team will be a team that can put the ball in play and they have some skill players defensively, particularly in the outfield. The question will be how well can the Lady Bulldogs pitching stand up. One thing you have to admire in looking at this year’s schedule is the fact that she scheduled some tough opponents that you feel will make them better as the season progresses. In looking at their lineup, there is a lot of youth; nowhere is this more evident than in the Lady Bulldogs infield. At catcher Mallory Lamb (Fr)looks to get the bulk of the time behind the plate; she is young and inexperienced, but she is athletic and has a strong arm; Lacey Smith and Hannah Smith will also get playing time in that position. First Base will be manned by Briley Davis  (So) and Mack Thompson (Jr); second base will be Mack Thompson (Jr) and shortstop Maleah Scalf (Fr).  Senior Rachel Fair will man the hot corner and she will be backed up Abbie Guy. The outfield will be manned by Reiley Nickles (SR) at left, centerfield will be held down by Abigail Willis (Sr) and rightfield will be Olivia Sorret (Jr)

Cheyenne Fair (Sr) will get the bulk of the innings on the mound, while Briley Davis will spell her at times. The Strengths will be this team’s ability to put the ball in play and they do have some speed once they get on base “ we have become better base-runners; we have some speed if we get on base, we need to take advantage of that,” Coach Weddle contributed. Their infield will be young, so they have to grow as they go along and although they have had some tenacity in the position, their inexperience could hurt.

Last Season 8-19

Loss in the second round of the Conference Tournament to Unaka

Key Losses: Catcher Maddie Setlock  (All-County and All-Conference)