Lady Sand Lizards look to capitalize off last season’s momentum

In his first year coaching for the Dardanelle Lady Sand Lizards, Brent Taylor has high expectations for his team. “I expect this season to be among the top of the 4A-4,” he said. Taylor pointed out that it is a competitive conference that includes last year’s state champion. Taylor said he knows his team will have stiff competition this year. “Ozark and Booneville all have solid programs, and Dover is improving each year,” he said. Taylor said the team has to make sure to come to play every day, or it won’t go well for them. Taylor said that ultimately, the team’s goal is to get back to the state tournament and make some noise. Junior Jorika Alvarez led the team in batting average last year, followed closely by junior Britney Kirk and senior Erin Hatcher, who both batted over .400. Junior Shelby Kelly led the team in home runs last season, going yard on three separate occasions. “We are expecting big things from her,”

Taylor said. “[Senior] Courtney Resinger is also a very good power hitter and has done a great job being a leader on this team so far.” Taylor said shortstop Alvarez is also the team’s best overall fielder. “She has great range in the field, as well as a strong arm,” the coach said. Taylor said Hallie Wear, Taylor Lawrence and Balee Hollis are the fastest players on the team and will compete for playing time. “Whoever doesn’t win a starting spot on defense will definitely play the important role of courtesy runners and pinch runners when needed,” he said. On the heels of graduating four-year starter Savana Rhinehart, Taylor said, the team’s pitching scene is wide open. “We feel like we have four good pitchers, and whoever warms up the best that day will probably get the start,” he said. Taylor believes all of the games this season will be worth watching. He also said he believes Alvarez and junior Allie Weber have a chance to play beyond high school.