Youthful Deerfield-Windsor Lady Knights aim for strong start

ALBANY – The Deerfield-Windsor Lady Knights are ready for a new softball season with a youthful roster and high expectations. Coming off a solid 16-10 record and an 8-2 mark in region play last year, the Lady Knights face the challenge of replacing seven graduated seniors, including standout Joi Hubbard, who signed to play college softball.

Head Coach John Pinson acknowledges the challenges ahead but remains optimistic about the team’s potential.

“We are extremely young,” Pinson said. “We will have six freshmen in the lineup along with two seniors and one junior. Measuring up to the speed of the varsity game may be our biggest obstacle.”

Pinson anticipates that the young squad will make significant progress by mid-season.

“We will see progress and gain confidence,” he said. “Secondly, putting the ball in play against good pitching will be crucial. Thirdly, we need to improve our first step on the ball to enhance our defense. The overall growth of our young players adjusting to a faster game will be critical as we enter the second half of the season and region play.”

Despite the youthful roster, the Lady Knights’ biggest strength lies in their two seniors: Hampton Rushton, an all-region catcher, and Tamiyah Brown, an all-region centerfielder.

Brown, who is rehabbing from an ACL injury sustained during basketball season, is expected to return in a few weeks and could make a difference in the circle.

“She has tremendous velocity but has control issues,” Pinson said. “Brown will deliver with the bat.”

Freshman Millie Champion will start in the circle for Deerfield-Windsor, showcasing her pitching skills early on. Freshman Jennings Curington, who gained starting experience last season, will anchor the defense at shortstop, while freshman Emily Phillips will lead the outfield corps.

Hampton Rushton, serving as team captain, will lead the offensive charge.

“Rushton will be our captain and will lead our offensive charge,” Pinson emphasized.

The Lady Knights were scheduled to open Tuesday against Westover but the game was rescheduled because of Hurricane Debby. Next week the Lady Knights will travel to Columbus to open the season and face Brookstone.

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