By KEVIN ECKLEBERRY

Daily News

It was a successful season with a disappointing ending.

Even though more than half of the every-day players were freshmen, the LaGrange High girls’ softball team enjoyed a winning 2017 season.

After earning the number three seed for the Region 5-AAAA tournament, though, LaGrange was upset by sixth-seeded Cedartown on its home field.

Despite that, the Lady Grangers finished with a 16-11 record, and they’ll look to continue their winning ways this season.

LaGrange kicks off a new season today with home games against Callaway and Troup.

“They give us as much as they can all the time,” LaGrange head coach Gabby Heath said. “I think they’re going to be very well-prepared. I’m excited to see what they do.”

It’ll be an experienced LaGrange team that takes the field to take on its county rivals.

That wasn’t the case a year ago when a freshman-dominated lineup opened the season against Callaway.

In a sign of things to come, freshman Camden Smith threw a one-hitter in a victory over Callaway, and she went on to enjoy a big season.

Other freshmen who started and played well during the 2017 season included Abby Vanhoose, Madison Dennis, Jacee Marable and Malone Aldridge.

“We’ve got mostly returners,” Heath said. “We’ve got three new players, but everyone else on our varsity squad is back.”

As for the returnees who are now sophomores, Heath said “they’ll be more comfortable in varsity situations. They’re definitely stronger, and they have a better softball knowledge.”

LaGrange has five seniors this season, including Hannah Karcher, Destiny Fitzpatrick, Zykeria Brewer, Shamiracle Mahone and Kadaysha Griffin.

While it is an experienced team, Heath said the lineup and defensive alignment will be a work in progress early in the season.

Over the next eight days, LaGrange is scheduled to play seven games.

“There’ll be a mix where we’re putting people,” Heath said. “There’ll be some moving around as the season goes along, especially with injuries. We’re trying to plan for everything.”