Softball: RB aims to build on past success

The Red Bay Lady Tigers ended the 2019 season with a 23-12 record, and Coach Shane Nichols said he is hoping to build on that strong showing in 2020.

The Tigers lost two seniors and return a wealth of experience from a team that made a trip to the regionals in Florence last year.

“We are still young but have a lot of playing experience,” said Nichols, who is in his second year as Red Bay’s coach. “This is a talented group, and they are starting to understand the game more and can think a play ahead.”

Some of that experience includes senior Emmie Scott (IF), junior Lila Blackburn (P, IF) and sophomores Annaliese Rogers (IF) and Khloe Knoblock (P, OF).

“I have a lot of confidence in our pitching staff,” Nichols explained. “They have a lot of experience, and they have pitched a lot of innings. I feel like if we can field the ball and score a run here and there, we can win any game we play.

“Our role players have to do their job as well,” Nichols added.

Nichols said he is still learning in his second year at the helm of the Tiger program.

“Every year is different, and every team is different,” explained Nichols.  “I am still learning what makes this team go and trying to get them to come together as a team.  We have to bring it every day, work hard and take nothing for granted.”

Red Bay competes in an area with Tharptown, Sheffield, and Colbert County.