By Garrett Kroeger

The Natchez Democrat

What difference a year makes for the Natchez High School softball team.

Last year, the Lady Bulldogs struggled. Yet just three games into this season, coach Bonita Hamilton has seen a completely different team take the diamond.

“This year we are playing very competitive ball,” Hamilton said. “We have been able to go all the way to seven innings. This is the third year that I have been the head coach, and while we are still a young team, the girls have come together in a strong, competitive way from offense to defense.”

Currently, Natchez is 2-1 on the year. In those three games, Hamilton has been impressed throughout all of areas of her team’s game, from offense to pitching to defense.

Although Hamilton has been pleased with the Lady Bulldogs’ effort thus far, she been most happy with Natchez’s pitching performance.

“I have two back-up pitchers this year that I haven’t had in the past,” Hamilton said. “I’m very impressed that I have some good back-up pitchers. I feel more confident that these three pitchers can get the job done.”

The Lady Bulldogs ace pitcher is sophomore Carleigh Sproulls. Hamilton said Sproulls continues to get stronger and stronger throughout each game and thinks she could easily become one of the best pitchers in the district.

With the depth at pitching, Hamilton believes the help will serve Natchez extremely well this season.

“The pitcher is the most important position that is on the field,” Hamilton said. “You have to have a strong pitcher. I am confident in my pitchers this year, I’ve always had confidence in my pitchers, but with the way they have been playing. I’m very pleased to have this group this year.”

Hamilton’s players have faith in themselves, as well.

“We are more confident,” said senior left fielder Deja Hudson. “It’s way different from last year.”

Hamilton said Natchez has a more positive energy for games due to their dedication at practice. Hudson agrees that they show up to practice and get right to work, which was different than last season.

Despite the abundant of optimism, the Lady Bulldogs still know they have to clean up some areas of their game. For Hudson, who Hamilton calls the leader of this year’s team, she believes she needs to continue to get stronger as a hitter. As team, however, she thinks Natchez needs to fine-tune its defense.

“Especially fielding,” Hudson said. “We have made a few too many errors this year.”

Hamilton said when it comes to the Lady Bulldogs’ defense, they are solid. However, she added, Natchez’s starting shortstop is new to that position. Despite being green at the spot, Hamilton is convinced that she will continue to improve and the Lady Bulldogs’ defense will become better as the season progresses.

With the newfound confidence and pitching depth along with the ability to work on its defense, Hamilton has high hopes for the blue and yellow this year.

“We are going to go far,” Hamilton said. “I feel like we can go farther this year. Each year we play in the playoffs and make it to the first round. But this year, we are going to go a little farther this year. You never know.

“I’m just looking forward to great things this year. As long as (Natchez) plays competitive ball, giving all that they have, that’s all I ask and that’s what they are doing. So, so far, so good.”

Natchez will be back in action with its good vibes at 6 p.m. March 20 at Terry High.