WESSON – The Wesson Lady Cobras slowpitch softball team will kick off their 2014 season Saturday, when they travel to Puckett to battle the Puckett Lady Wolves in a classic contest.

The Lady Cobras will have a new face at the head coach position as Michelle Nunnery replaces Jackie Johnson. Johnson stepped down from coaching in May to stay home with her recently born twins. Nunnery was Jackie’s assistant for 6 years.

“Jackie and I played school ball against each other and during the summer we were on the same team,” said Nunnery. “During the time, I was doing my student teaching here at Wesson. I was lucky to become the assistant coach under Jackie. It has been a great experience getting to work with her. We both knew how we wanted to do things.”

Nunnery, 28, is a 2004 Parklane Academy graduate and a 2009 Mississippi College graduate. She played basketball and softball at Mississippi College.

“The girls are doing really well,” said Nunnery. “We have just have a few days left to get ready to play, so we are trying to fine-tune some things.”

Nunnery said she was excited to get the season started and would like to thank the administrators and athletic director for giving he the job.

“I am excited that my administrators and A.D. gave me the chance to work with the girls as a head coach, continued Nunnery. “I think this transition should be smooth. The girls will not have to worry about getting used to a different coach.”

Under Nunnery’s era, the Lady Cobras will have seven returning starters to provide leadership and guidance. Kayla Britt is the only senior on the team and plays shortstop.

Cheyenne Gladden returns at pitcher, Kaitlyn Smith at catcher, Harmoni Ashley at first base. Sabria Green, Aurianna Vaughn and Amber Brinson plays in the outfield.

“We have several returning starters back,” stated Nunnery. “Our new younger players are pushing our older players this year. Which in return, helps keep everyone on their toes and work harder.”

Wesson lost two starters to graduation last year: second baseman Bailey Middleton and third baseman Sarah Robinson.

The Lady Cobras will look to improve on an 20-9 record last year. They finished with a 5-1 record last year in district play.

Nunnery teaches seventh grade math at Wesson. Helping out as assistant coach is Dale Lowery and new assistant coach Rusty Newman.

Michelle is married to Jeff Nunnery. She has two stepsons: Logan and Brantley.

The Lady Cobras’ first home game will be against the Florence Lady Eagles on Aug. 26. The junior varsity game will precede the varsity game.

WESSON 2014 Team Roster

Seniors

Kayla Britt

Juniors

Cheyenne Gladden, Kaitlyn Smith

 Sophomores

Harmoni Ashley, Sabria Green, Madison Jones, Aurianna Vaughn Vaughn

 Freshmen

Amber Brinson, Nikki Guess, Brooke Jones, Carrie McSweyn, Abby Meredith

 Eighth Graders

Melody Ashley, Madison Boleware, Shaylin Green, Madison Oster, Katie Westbrook

 Seventh Graders

Natalie Bonds, Anna Claire Crow, Makenzie Dooley, Arie Douglas, Shebi Maxwell, Katie McSweyn, Riley Smith, Catherine Wilson

Wesson Schedule

AUGUST

16-at Puckett, 21-at West Lincoln, 5/6 p.m., 26-Florence, 5/6 p.m., 28-at Lawrence Co., 5/6 p.m.

SEPTEMBER

2-West Lincoln, 5/6 p.m., 4-Bogue Chitto, 5/6 p.m., 6-at Florence Tournament, 9-Puckett, 5-6 p.m., 11-at Richland, 5/6 p.m., 16-at Crystal Spring, 4 p.m., 18-Hazlehurst 5/6 p.m., 23-at Franklin Co., 5:30/7 p.m., 25-South Pike, 5/6 p.m., 27-at Brookhaven Tournament, 28-Crystal Springs, 5/6 p.m.

OCTOBER

2-at Hazlehurst, 4:30/5:30 p.m., 4-at Bogue Chitto Tournament, 7-Franklin Co., 5/6 p.m., 9-at South Pike, 5/6 p.m. 14-1st Round South, TBA, 18-2nd Round South, TBA, 21-South State Finals, TBA, 25-State Championship (Freedom Ridge Park).