Published: March 25, 2008 12:43 am            

Veteran still gets opening day jitters

Nikki Jeck is a seasoned veteran, but even she was not afraid to admit that she had some first-game jitters.

The senior was in the circle Monday as Madison Southern opened softball season against Jackson County at home. She gave up five hits and one run with four strikeouts as the Lady Eagles (1-0) cruised to a 16-1 victory. 

“Today was a good win, it gave the team confidence,” Jeck said. “Which is what the team needed. A lot of people, including myself, were actually pretty nervous and a little worried. Most of the players were in a position they have never played, so I know it helped for them to see they could do it.” 

Defensively, Southern was trying to fill holes in center field, second and catcher. Senior Casey Boggs moved from third to center field, while transfer Mia Todd was on second and senior Jackie Young returned from a year off to catch. 

Along with those adjustments, coach Brian Foley had a freshman at first base in Mary Mullins, a sophomore that had not started at third in Brooke Wiseman, Stephanie Mazurek moved to left field and Candace Himes moved from first base to right field. Southern had no errors, though, and the one run came in the first inning off three hits. 

“In my sixth year here this is by far the best opening game,” Foley said. “First inning we were kind of rocky. We had six girls out of position and I think the more that they play, the more comfortable they are going to get. I think they even settled in once the game got into the second inning on.” 

The Lady Eagles erased the early deficit with five runs off five hits in the bottom of the first and never looked back. They added at least a run in every inning and had seven in the fourth to end the game early. 

Southern’s seniors led the way as Jeck went three-for-four with three runs scored and a RBI, Young was three-for-three with two RBIs and Boggs was two-for-three with a double and two RBIs. 

Foley was happy with his team’s performance and knows how important the progress of his young players will be this season. 

“I was very pleased with Mary Mullins at first and Brooke Casteel came in and ran the bases very well,” Foley said. “Those two, for us to be successful this year, have to step up and play hard.” 

Southern steps up the competition today, taking on Region 14 powerhouse Estill County in Irvine at 5:30 p.m. 

“I talk about the young girls a lot, but they are going to be key to our success,” Jeck said. “We play a game like this and we play pretty well, we had a couple of mistakes but you are always going to have those. But, tomorrow they are going to see a top-notch ballclub and they are going to see what it really takes to be at that level.” 



Nicholas Co. 5, Berea 1 

Berea Community’s baseball team traveled to Nicholas County Monday and struggled to get the offense going in the season opener for both teams. 

The Blue Jackets (1-0) scored five runs in the first three innings and the Pirates stranded 10 baserunners and only had four hits — one each from Ben Flara, Ben Miller, Logan Hester and Jacob Gilbertson — leading to a tough 5-1 loss. 

Steven Sandefur got the start and gave up two runs in the first and three in the third. He only allowed two hits, but gave up eight walks with six strikeouts. 

Gilbertson came on in relief and pitched three innings, allowing just two hits and no runs. 

Flara scored the Pirates only run. He singled and then stole two bases and scored on an error in the seventh.



Clark Co. 15, Model 4

Nick Dunaway led Model in a struggle against George Rogers Clark in Winchester.

The senior went three-for-three with two runs scored and an RBI. He also stole three bases, but the Cardinals (1-0) were too much for the Patriots (0-1).

Model only had three other hits — Adam Humpheys, Will Travis and Ross Masters.

        

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