WESSON – Coach Hugh Webb and the Wesson Lady Cobra slowpitchsoftball team kick off their 2008 season Saturday in the WestLincoln Classic. Wesson will face McComb at 2:30 p.m. and WestLincoln at 7.

Coach Webb’s Lady Cobras were division champs last year, going20-8 on the season and 10-0 in the division. Wesson made it to thesecond round of the Class 2A state playoffs before falling topowerhouse Enterprise-Clarke.

According to Webb, the heat has been a big factor in the team’spractice sessions.

“The heat has a tremendous effect on the girls,” explained Webb.”We were so young last year. We are ahead of where we were lastyear. We did 2-a- days last week. We practiced three nights thisweek.”

The Cobras lost their starting pitcher to graduation in all-starNikki McCardle. Also gone is third baseman Amanda Price who isbeing home schooled this year.

Wesson has some veteran starters coming back in Ann Shelby Davisin left field, Jessica Haynes in left center, Dallas Jackson inright center, Christina Fink at shortstop and Leah Greer at firstbase. All of the starters were all-district players last year.

“Christina had a devastating soccer injury and was out twomonths,” stated Webb. “She should be ready in three weeks.”

In her place, Marley McCardle will play shortstop until Fink isready to rejoin the team. McCardle, who plays fastpitch, is alsoplaying slowpitch this year.

Rounding out the other starting positions are Macie McQuage atsecond base, Summer Rials at third base, Kimmie Kolpeck or MakenzieRials at catcher and Madison Rials or Maurla Smith at rightfield.

Lanney McQuage and Dallas Jackson will serve a pitchers. Webb addedthat he may also throw Fink in the mix.

“Our pitching is something we are going to have to work on,” saidWebb. “I feel real strong that Lannie is going to step up and do agood job.”

Webb expects to bat 11 girls during games this season.

Kolpeck is one the team’s top hitters according to Webb. “She hitsthe ball pretty soundly. We have several girls who hit the ballreal well: Ann Shelby, Christina, Dallas and Jessica.

“We are pretty solid,” continued Webb. “We are going to be sound inthe batting order. We should be able to generate some runs.”

Webb feels the pitching is going to be a key to the Lady Cobras’success this season. “If our pitching comes around, we are going tobe good shape.”

2008 SCHEDULE

AUGUST: 2 – at West Lincoln Tournament; 4 – at Bogue Chitto; 8 -West Lincoln; 9 – Crystal Springs; 12 – at Raymond; 14 – BogueChitto; 15 – at West Lincoln; 18 – Raymond; 23 – at EnterpriseTournament; 26 – South Pike; 28 – at Prentiss; 30 – Hazlehurst.

SEPTEMBER: 2 – Enterprise; 4 – at McLaurin; 9 – Bassfeld; 11 – atSt. Andrew’s; 13 – at South Pike; 16 – Prentiss; 18 – atEnterprise; 23 – McLaurin; 25 – at Bassfield; 30 – St.Andrew’s.