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Varsity softball competing no matter what the season
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The Lady Tigers cheered and encouraged each other like they were in a late-season race for the Region title.

But it wasnt the end of September, it was the lazy days of summer.

The Dawson County High School team knows how to get the most out of the month of June, staying sharp with practices two days a week and throwing in some summer league games.

With a group of about 30 girls, including a large freshman class, the team is learning how to play together as a cohesive unit.

In addition, head coach Jim Pruett said the summertime helps the players get used to what the coaches expect from them and vice versa.

We work on every aspect of the game, said Pruett, We try to break it down as much as possible.

For example when practicing bunting, they focus on the difference between a sacrifice bunt and trying to bunt for a base hit.

Base-running and hitting the cutoff person when fielding are just examples of the detailed topics the Lady Tigers cover during these weeks.

During the upcoming season, Pruett said he expects the Dawson County team to use a combination of power at the plate and the ability to manufacture runs.

It just depends on where they are in the batting order, as some team members have home-run potential, while others can make things happen with their speed on the bases.

Although the Lady Tigers lost a handful of key members to graduation who will be difficult to replace, the team has a solid senior class that promises to make an impact.

Returning in the pitchers circle will be Jenna Abbott, along with shortstop Samantha Moulder and second basemen Natalie Burt and Gracie Hovan.

Carly Gilreath, Taylor Willoughby and Becca Monkus will return to patrol the outfield.

In addition Martie Rogers, a starter since her freshman year, returns for her junior season to provide leadership in the pitchers circle.

For now, the summer practices are a chance for the coaching staff to get an idea of what players can do and to evaluate which players could fill roster positions.

And the summer league games may be laid back, but that doesnt mean the Lady Tigers dont take them seriously.

Pruett added that it helps to see the players tested in pressure situations, no matter the game. Competitors are going to want to win.