More than 30 girls participated in softball tryouts Friday at Jack Waldrip Field on the campus of Dawson County High School.

Under relatively cool weather conditions Head Coach Jim Pruett put the aspiring players through a bevy of fielding, running and hitting drills.

As the season fast approaches, it doesn't give Pruett much time to develop his players like he would like.

"We only have a week before we start playing. I'm so glad most of these girls have been playing this summer," he said.

Dawson County will be relying on the experience of six seniors: Joy Lewis, Emily Hunsucker, Brooke Wende, Samantha Keeney, Hannah McConnell and Savannah Havercam.

Assisting Pruett with tryouts was Auburn University alum and former DCHS player Jenna Abbott.

"It was great having Jenna help out," Pruett said. "She was definitely a help since my new assistant coach was in new teacher training."

There were also some players missing from tryouts due to family vacations planned or travel team obligations.

"We are missing some players, but they should be back when practice begins," Pruett said.

The Lady Tigers kicks off the preseason today in a scrimmage with the Lady Panthers in Union County.

Regular season play begins Friday as Dawson County travels to Gainesville for the Lanier Pointe Invitational Tournament.

"The season is upon us already," Pruett said.