If you are looking for a model of consistency in slowpitchsoftball, look no further than the West Lincoln Lady Bears. For thepast 10 years, head coach Andrew Redd’s teams have either won theDivision 7-1A crown or finished in the runner-up spot. With 8returning starters from last season’s 7-1A championship team, thereare some high expectations in Bear country.

“We have been in the playoffs for the past 10 years,” said CoachRedd who is entering his tenth season at West Lincoln. “We have agood group of veterans returning, and some key reserves who aregoing to help us out on both offense and defense.”

The Lady Bears (16-14 in 2007) will count on the returningexperience from seniors Julie Case and Shelby Lofton, along withjuniors Stephanie smith, Hannah Knouse, Terri Easley, and AshleyMcCaffrey. Sophomores Jessica Franklin and Alexis Cook saw a lot ofvaluable playing time last season.

Redd replaced 2 starters due to graduation in Holli Smith andCarrie Fauver. Sophomores Karli Harrington and Haley Ainsworth willstep into the lineup. Taylor Crews, Laina Laird and Katie Mullinswill also provide some needed help on the offensive side of theball.

“Taylor, Laina and Katie are interchangeable and can playseveral positions,” commented Coach, Redd who supported a careerrecord of 168-89 in 9 years. “Hitting will be one of our strengthsthis season. We have always had good hitting teams.”

“Most of the players that we have had, have been playing for 4or 5 years,” continued Redd. “They are used to the big games.”

Redd looks for another closely race in Division 7-1A. But to getfor division play, the Lady Bears have added Brookhaven, North Pikeand Lawrence County to their pre-district schedule.

“We wanted to play Brookhaven, Lawrence Co. and North Pike tohelp us get ready for division play,” Coach Redd said. “BogueChitto, West Lincoln and Cathedral will battle for the 2 playoffspots.”

The Lady Bears open their season Saturday in the West LincolnClassic. West Lincoln plays Enterprise at 4 p.m., followed byMcComb at 5:30 and Wesson at 7.

The Lady Bears open the 2008 campaign Saturday, hosting the WestLincoln Classic. Joining West Lincoln in the tourney will be BogueChitto, Enterprise,Wesson and McComb.