Matoaca baseball
Record: 20-4
Coach: Tim Haynes
The Warriors had a strong season last year. Their impressive run ended by way of a tough loss to Glen Allen in the first round of the regional tournament. Left-handed pitcher Robert Fultineer and infielder Zach Clark have both graduated and leave some holes to fill. All-Conference selections Jacob Floyd (1B), John Bowles (OF), and Randolph-Macon commit James Womack (P) return for a senior-leaden Matoaca squad. The Warriors strength lies in their pitching rotation and defense. If they can get the bats going, they could have a tremendous season.
Matoaca softball
Record: 9-8
Coach: Scott Driskill
Head coach Scott Driskill returns after a two-year break to watch his daughter Berkeley play softball in college at Bridgewater. Berkeley also returns to help coach the team, after being an All-State selection when she was a Warrior. All-Conference catcher Brooke Flowers has graduated after playing a huge part to the team’s success last season. Shaelee Blackham (2B) and Katie Higgins (P) return to provide some veteran leadership. Sophomore first baseman Riley Hunt will be fun to watch, as she was named first team All-Conference in her freshman year. Making routine defensive plays will help the team stay consistent throughout the season.
Meadowbrook baseball
Record: 1-18
Coach: Drew Walker
Having a young team last year, the Monarchs only lost three seniors to graduation. Senior infielding pitcher Zach Lewallen and junior first baseman Korey Harmon will be key components to the team’s success. “Our team is full of guys that have played for Meadowbrook for three or four years now, and they know our system and the way we like to do things,” says Coach Walker. Walker believes the team’s defense and pitching will be better than it has been in the past.
Meadowbrook softball
Coach: Lisa Keys
The Monarchs had pitcher Sydney Foster and first baseman Ashley Judge graduate last year. They both were “natural leaders” for the team according to Coach Keys. This year, five players return to the team. Sophomore Adaisia “Bri” Randolph will pitch and play shortstop. Power hitter junior, Adia Tisdale will play first base. MyEssence Sestito will play third base. Outfielder Kailah Lee returns for her senior season, along with pitcher and shortstop Naomi Grado. “One inning from winning” will be the team’s motto this season, says Keys. The team will look to continue to improve as the season progresses.
L.C. Bird baseball
Record: 5-12
Coach: Brian Logan
The Skyhawks will try to build on a fourth-place finish in the conference last season. Trey Ramsey (C), Chris Hayden (3B), Shane Hernandez (SS), and Josh Hollis (2B) all graduated last year and leave some space to fill for this years team. Senior pitcher-catcher, Miles Burton will be one of the best hitters on the team. Junior Andrew Bell is very versatile, and could he play pitcher, catcher, and shortstop for Bird. Sophomore Shawn Hernandez is a lockdown fielder who will help the team defensively. Seniors Nick Adams and Tyler Thore could both have breakout seasons.
Thomas Dale baseball
Record: 9-9
Coach: Chris Marshall
The Knights lost second baseman D.J. McPeters and third baseman Elliot Manley last year, but that doesn’t mean they are short on talent. Senior catcher and VCU commit Hunter Vay returns after batting .395 last year. He will bat third. Junior leadoff man Tyler Bailey should be great on the mound and defensively. Senior Adam Brooks will also start on the mound. First baseman Drew Camp Jr. will act as a big power hitter and will be a primary source for RBI. Coach Marshall would like to see some more mental toughness from his team this year, as they played a lot of close games last season.
Thomas Dale softball
Record: 15-6
Coach: Dennis Jones
Key contributors Courtney Robinette (2B) and Sarah Ridgeway (RF) both graduated last year for the Knights. Seniors Lauren King (CF), Abby Nyquist (2B), and Grace DiMarino (3B) will all step in as leaders in their absence for Thomas Dale. Sophomore standouts Maddie Rice (SS) and Leigha Hill will both be major pieces in the puzzle. Rice has committed to play in college at Campbell and Hill at Longwood. Coach Jones says this team is one of the most experienced he’s ever had. The Knights should be very consistent from top to bottom.
