Coach: ‘Ready for the challenge’ of moving up to 3A

Conference: 3A-2

Coach: Matt Dillon

Assistant coach: Hanna Longino

2021 record: 25-5 overall, 12-0 conference

Last season’s Tuckerman Lady Bulldogs catapulted to the top of their league as 2A-2 conference and district and 2A regional and state champions. So Matt Dillon, who has a career record of 154-69 and is entering his 15th year as a coach at Tuckerman and his 10th as Lady Bulldogs head coach, has a tough act to follow.

Dillon said five of the team’s six returning starters are seniors: Hannah Nicholson, righthanded pitcher/shortstop; Kenzie Soden, RH pitcher/shortstop; Ansley Dawson, utility infielder/outfielder; Audrey Altom, outfielder; and Lizzy Walker, third base/designated pitcher. Catcher Gracie Smith is the only junior returning starter.

Nicholson compiled a 10-1 record with a 1.83 earned-run average last season and a batting average of .404 with 37 runs batted in and 4 home runs. Soden hits left-handed and was 2-2 with 4 saves on the mound last season and closed the state finals. She hit .395, had an on-base percentage of .495 and drove in 38 runs. Dawson throws/hits RH and had only 2 errors last season while playing multiple positions. She hit .431 and had an on-base percentage of .543.

Altom throws/hits RH and had only 2 errors in 22 chances last year in right field. She hit .346 and drove in 22 runs. Walker, who throws RH and hits LH, saw limited play last season because of injuries but hit .340 with only 47 official atbats. Smith throws/hits RH and caught every game last year, while throwing out runners at a high rate. She hit third in the lineup with a batting average of .406 and drove in 32 runs while striking out a mere 4 times in 101 at-bats.

“We have a veteran team that brings back 10 seniors. This team has been able to experience back-to-back championships together. They have grit and a never-quit mentality,” Dillon said.

“Some returners will have increased roles and will have to step up for us this year,” he said. Senior Julie Glasgow, who throws RH and hits LH, has been a courtesy runner for three years but will take over in center field. Senior Laci Worthington, who has been in a flex position in left field for the past two years, will have the opportunity to hit this year as well. Senior Anna Fortenberry, who throws/hits RH, will fill the hole at first base.

The coach named Dawson as best hitter for average with .431, and Smith and Nicholson as best power hitters.

The best fielders are Soden, Dawson and Nicholson, Dillon said. “All three players are solid at any position. … [Dawson] is the ultimate utility player and is asked to play outfield and multiple positions on the infield,” he said. “[Soden] and [Nicholson] will both play shortstop and pitch. They also play at a high level.”

For best speed, the coach cited Dawson and senior Julie Glasgow. “Julie has been a courtesy runner the past three years but will take over in center field this coming season,” he said. “Ansley is a constant threat on the bases and has the speed to make plays all over the field.”

Dillon named outfielder Worthington and infielder Nicholson as having the best arms on the team.

“Our [best] pitchers classify into two roles,” Dillon said. “Hannah Nicholson is our best starter and will carry the bulk of the innings; however, Kenzie Soden is the best reliever/closer and will be that go-to in late innings if needed.”

The coach named two games to watch this season: “Melbourne and Salem have been two teams that we have battled the previous two years, … so look for those to be the same battles this season,” Dillon said.

“We are moving up to 3A this season, and we will have our hands full,” the coach said. “We know we have to go prove ourselves, and while there are so many good teams in 3A, we are ready for the challenge and ready to compete.”