Missy Fields is coaching softball instead of track, but she sounds like her team is trying to clear some hurdles.

The Lady Tigers need to clear hurdles such as youth and inexperience as they go through the 2007 season.

“We’re a young, inexperienced team. The freshman class looks to be very promising with several girls starting and a few more getting lots of playing time this year,” said Fields.

“I feel as a team we are playing leaps and bounds better than we were this time last year. We will take our lumps and bruises, but we will get better each game and hopefully compete for the SEOAL championship.”

While the team is young, the veterans will be key players.

Seniors Kelsey Bronson at catcher and Lindsey Mooney in centerfield are returning starters along with third baseman Nikki Harbolt.

“Lindsey is a solid player in center field and is quick on the base path,” said Fields. “Kelsey Bronson has come a long way as the team catcher. She has a good bat and is a team leader.

“Harbolt is moving from second base. She has picked up some quickness and has a great arm.”

Also back is junior Edi Taylor who moves from third base to first base. Junior Vicky Chenault will be at second base but could get some time in right field. Also in the plans at second base is sophomore Jessica Brown who also plays right field.

“Jessie Brown has worked hard this summer and is quicker and has a sharp arm. Vicky Chenault has been working this summer and she and Jessie are the team’s most improved players,” said Fields.

“Edi Taylor has moved to first base and she is doing well in t his spot. Her bat is improving each game.”

The key area with any team is pitching and sophomore Sara Jones is back. She will be joined in the rotation by Kylie Summers and Janie Morris, a couple of freshmen.

“Sara was the team’s lone pitcher last year. She has worked this summer and has picked up some speed and different pitches,” said Fields.

“Summers and Morris are getting better each time they are on the mound.”

Also expected to get some work on the mound will be freshmen Brea Tackett, Jordan Scott, Autumn Markel and Emily Lilly.

“Emily Lilly is a player who can play any position,” said Fields.