Westfield Lady Hornets dominate early on; remain hungry

The Westfield School Lady Hornets softball team returned home last Saturday after winning the Trinity Christian tournament in Dublin, Georgia and have continued their winning ways. The two-day affair pitted the Lady Hornets against some of the best GISA has to offer in regards to softball programs. Five games in two days and the Lady Hornets came away unshaved and undefeated. “It’s a good start to the season to be our first tournament of the year,” says Westfield head coach Danny Camp.

The Lady Hornets have only one senior on the team this season, first baseman Lizzie Johnson, “We have a young team,” says Camp, “but it’s a good group that comes in and works hard.” The team does have five juniors however, including returning starters Megan Easom in centerfield and Mercer University signee and junior shortstop Brooke Knowles. Both players have already been selected to the all-state and along with Johnson will be counted on to generate runs and anchor the Lady Hornets defense. Easom will play outfield and infield positions, Knowles will pitch in spurts this season. Camp will have to start his most talented players this season and that includes twin eighth graders Ellie and Emma Williams. On the twins Camp says, “They are talented and will definitely play.”

In Dublin, Westfield defeated the host team, Trinity Christian School, Brentwood High School and Southwest Georgia Academy en route to winning the championship. All three teams finished their 2015 seasons on deep runs in their respective state tournaments. The Lady Hornets had to play better than good to beat that triumvirate. “As a team we hit the ball really well,” said Knowles. “One thing I have noticed about our team is our chemistry on and off the field.” She continued, “We all have that drive to win and every girl has that ‘want to’ attitude.”

On Monday the Lady Hornets defeated Crisp Academy 5-0 behind a stellar seven-inning pitching performance by Emma Williams. Lizzie Johnson’s grand slam anchored Westfield’s offense during their 5-4 win over Tiftarea Academy on Tuesday while Riley Hickock went the distance from the mound for the win. “We have a good group that comes in and works hard, I am proud of them,” says Camp.

The Lady Hornets are undefeated but Camp wants to remain humble. “It feels great,” he said of the seven wins, “I’m really proud of our players and the work they have put in this offseason.” He added, “I hope this good start keeps them hungry.”

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