Softball talent isn't reliant on player's classification.
Two of the nine starters for the Arkansas High softball program are upperclassmen.
"We're young but at the same time I have a lot of experience with my sophomores," Arkansas High head coach Elizabeth Tankersley said. "We're bringing back five starters."
Arkansas High begins its daunting season at Ashdown high school , which is very familiar to the head coach.
"I'm excited to begin our season in Ashdown. I'm extremely thankful for Wiley Cunningham and the positive impact he has had on my life. From getting me to Southern Arkansas University to steering me to coaching," Tankersley said.
The Lady Backs infield includes Adison Wright at shortstop, Alyssa Smith at first base, Haleigh Ewing at second base, Sydnee Blackwell at third base, Kailey Burns at catcher and Kaitlyn Fortenberry on the mound. Ewing is the only junior of the bunch.
"Kaitlyn Fortenberry is the difference maker. If we would've had her in the first round of the playoffs last year, we would've won," Tankersley said. She's young but very coachable. She's driven and she's the type of kid that will go above and beyond what is asked of her in the circle."
Arkansas High outfield arsenal includes Ajahi Cheatham, Jessica Vaughn and Bailey Easterling. Vaughn is the only upperclassmen in the outfield.
The Razorbacks will be without their sole senior this season. Makenzie Montgomery is the team captain and she's battling an illness that will keep her out this season. The Lady Backs plan to dedicate the 2017 season to Montgomery.
Tankersley and her Lady Backs are focused on the regular season and also winning her first playoff game in 2017.
"We haven't won a first round playoff game in my tenure here but I can definitely see us winning a first round playoff game this season," Tankersley said. "We have a tougher road than most 6A schools because the teams on the other side see each other."
2017 LADY BACK SOFTBALL
Date Site-opponent Time
Feb. 25 at Ashdown TBA
Feb. 27 Liberty-Eylau 4:30
Feb. 28 Texas High 5:00
March 2 at Arkadelphia 4:30
March 3-5 at Ashdown TBA
March 6 at Sheridan 4:30
March 9-11 at New Boston TBA
March 13 at Foreman 5:00
March 14 at Maud 5:00
March 17 at Lake Hamilton 4:30
March 28 at Lakeside 4:30
March 30 Lake Hamilton 5:00
April 4 at El Dorado 4:30
April 7 Hope 5:00
April 8 at Sheridan TBA
April 11 at Camden-Fairview 4:30
April 13 Magnolia 5:00
April 18 at Hot Springs 4:30
April 21 De Queen 5:00
April 24 Acorn 4:30
April 28 El Dorado 5:00
May 1-5 Conference Tournament TBA
May 11-13 State Tournament TBA