By Sophia Riedi
The Columbia High School softball team are 11 games into their 2021 season under 7th year Coach Trudy Andrews.
While returning seven starters, the Tigers also had several key losses due to graduation, including Caroline Lewis (AVG .667), Lucy Giebeig (AVG .520), and Morgan Hoyle (AVG .423) who helped the team finish 9-3 at the end of the 2020 season.
Beginning the 2021 season with a 2-9 record, the Tigers have had some close games against the Madison County Cowboys (6-5 loss in 9 innings) on February 25 and the Gainesville Hurricanes (4-3 loss in 10 innings) on March 11.
The Tigers are led offensively by sophomore Zoryana Hughes who has a .630 AVG with 17 hits, 7 RBIs and 11 stolen bases through nine games played. Senior Reece Chasteen is also having an impressive season with a .467 AVG, 14 hits, and 6 RBIs.
A key game coming up for the Columbia team will be the April 1 rematch against district opponent Gainesville High School.
2021 Softball Preseason Outlook
Coach’s name: Trudy Andrews
Years as head coach: 7
2020-21 Class/District/Region: 5A District 3
2019-20 Overall Record: 9-3
Number of returning starters: 7
So. – #1 Zoryana Hughes (P), 22 K, .630 AVG, 17 H, 7 RBI
So. – #6 Emma Edson (P), 24 K, .211 AVG, 4 H, 2 RBI
Sr. – #18 Reece Chasteen (C), .467 AVG, 14 H, 6 RBI
So. – #11 Addison Maxwell (3rd), .182 AVG, 4 H, 3 RBI
Sr. – #10 Sofia Arata (SS), .263 AVG, 5 H, 3 RBI
Sr. – #12 Anissa Penniman (OF, SS), .130 AVG, 3 H, 5 RBI
So. – #23 Emily Eadie (2nd), .312 AVG, 5 H, 2 RBI
Key losses: Lucy Giebeig, Morgan Hoyle, Whitney Lee, Caroline Lewis, Cadence Mirra
Key games: 4/1– vs. Gainesville (District Match up)
