Broken Arrow Lady Tigers – Softball Team Preview – Presented by Hayhurst Funeral Home

BROKEN ARROW LADY TIGERS
 Coach: RANDALL KING

26-8

OUTLOOK

The Lady Tigers and head coach Randall King fielded a team with several underclassmen playing key positions last season and still won 26 games. This season, those same players have another year under their belts and are ready to take the field and make their presence felt in Class 6A.

“We started four freshman and two sophomores last year and are looking to build on the season we had last year,” said coach King.

Outfielder and three-year starter Emily Gilleland possess the speed you want in an outfielder, which translates to base running. Gilleland brings power to the plate making her a dual-threat player who can stretch for extra bases or drive in runs. Known for her leadership and a strong arm in the outfield, Gilleland will play a key role for the Lady Tigers this season. Sophomore Aryanna Ceasar started every game as a freshman last year and returns bringing her speed and range to the field. Ceasar is another player with power at the plate and will make opponents pay for bad pitches.

Avaree Beach is another underclassman who started every game as a freshman last season. A middle-of-the-order hitter, Beach can step into the circle and give the Lady Tigers meaningful innings all season. Another player looking to make major contributions this season is Kaci Denny. Denny is a leader for coach King and someone who encourages her teammates at every turn. Look for Denny to play a crucial role this season.

The Lady Tigers will open the season on the road to Putnam City West on August 12^th for a two-game stand before coming home to face Yukon on August 14^th. The Broken Arrow Tournament gets underway a day later, hosting some of the top teams in the state. The regular season wraps up on October 2^nd when the Lady Tigers will host Owasso.

This season marks the 37^th season for Randall King as head coach. During his career the Lady Tigers have amassed eight state titles giving the program 11 total. The Lady Tigers also have a slow-pitch state title during coach King’s tenure as well.