In 2018, a young Hopkinsville Lady Tiger softball team made its way into the 2nd Region tournament. While still young in 2019, there is more experience on hand for the Lady Tigers as they look to win their first regional tournament game since 2001.
Hopkinsville finished the 2018 season at 7-25, and struggled coming down the stretch of the season. The Lady Tigers finished the year losing 11 of their last 12, with the win coming over UHA in the 8th District tournment. That win placed Hopkinsville in the 2nd Region tournament, where they were eliminated by Crittenden County 14-0.
Hopkinsville lost two seniors off the 2018 team, Makenzie Carter and starting shortstop Shelby Harbour. Both players batted around .400 for the season, so finding a couple of consistent bats and sold middle defense will be key for the 2019 Lady Tigers.
Leadership for the team is expected to come from four players who saw extensive playing time last season. Lauren Hodge, Sebrina Hodge, Taiya Straight, Marley Hancock, and Nadia Clayton will all need to have big seasons and lead the younger players for Hopkinsville to take another step up in the 2nd Region. Lauren Hodge, Straight, and Clayton were all around the .400 mark or better coming down the stretch of season in 2018.
As is always the case, pitching is key to making a run in the 2nd Region, and that is the area where Hopkinsville will have to make the biggest strides in 2018. The Lady Tigers gave up 361 runs in 32 games last year, and that figure will have to come down for the team to take the big steps they are looking for this season.
Lauren Hodge and Marley Hancock spent most of the season in the circle for Hopkinsville in 2018. Hodge had the better era, while Hancock was the bigger strikeout pitcher for the Lady Tigers.
Hoptown will again be the team favored to come in 2nd in the 8th District, but both UHA and Fort Campbell will be expected to make progress in 2019 as well. For the moment, all three have some chasing to do to catch up with Christian County.
