Youth brings excitement for Lady Rebels in 2018

The Sacred Heart Lady Rebels are coming off a tough 3-11 season, but third-year coach Kyle Duvall expects improvement, in spite of his team’s large number of freshmen. Six players from last year’s team return, all of whom are juniors and sophomores. They will form the backbone of a team with many new faces. One of those new faces, freshman Graci Thomas, is expected to hit leadoff for Sacred Heart, and Duvall thinks she can lead the team in steals this season. Junior Grace Simpson is likely to be driving in Thomas, having hit .290 and tallying 9 RBIs last year. The Lady Rebels’ pitching staff is anchored by junior Jenna Chadek and sophomore Madison Harper, who return having gained valuable experience last year. Freshman McKenzie Greeson will also pitch, and Duvall considers her one of the best arms on the team. In the field, Chadek and Greeson will play the infield, with Chadek capable of playing any position on the diamond. Freshman

Elizabeth Aguilar, another strong arm on the team, can play the infield and catcher. Duvall noted the tough competition his team will face in the 1A-5 North and the challenges associated with the schedule, but his expectations are high, despite the team’s youth. “Even though the majority of the team will be freshmen and sophomores, we like the talent that the big freshman class will bring,” Duvall said. “The Lady Rebels will be much improved and looking to do great things this season on the diamond.”