Change and excitement have been the themes of the Destrehan Lady Cats softball team, as they entered the season with a new coaching staff and a host of young, but talented players.
Coach Kenny Montz has taken over for Jacob Thompson and brings 20 years of experience to the job. Montz has been involved in Destrehan athletics in many capacities. He was an assistant football coach on Destrehan’s back-to-back state championship teams and has also been an assistant in the Wildcat baseball program for several years.
Montz serves as one of Destrehan’s athletic directors.
Troy Desentz will serve as assistant coach along with Kacie Wilson, a former Lady Cat player.
Last year, the Lady Cats finished the season with a 15-15-2 record with a team littered with freshmen and sophomore starters. So far this season, the Lady Cats are 6-8-1 with wins against Terrebonne, Iota, Mt. Carmel, Chapelle, Academy of Our Lady and Ursuline.
As always, District 6-5A will be extremely tough this season. The Lady Cats found that out the hard way on Tuesday night when they lost 12-5 to Dutchtown in their first district game of the season.
Dutchtown has an 11-1 record so far, as does district mate East Ascension. The always competitive St. Amant is currently 10-1 while Destrehan rival Hahnville is 10-2.
Because of the strength of those teams, making the playoffs will be tough for the Lady Cats this year. But as their young talent gains experience and begins to come together, Destrehan could surprise a lot of people.
The pitching staff has been led by sophomore Abbie Hall, who saw a lot of time in the circle as a freshman last season. Elana Anderson and Nicole Haydel will also be called on to contribute at the position.
All three pitchers had good summers, and expectations are high for this group. More depth at this position will be added by Amanda Rodriguez, Liz Quintero, and Michelle Haydel.
The catching position has developed into a heated battle for playing time between Margo Bivona and talented incoming freshman Anna Hall.
Senior Aimee Sylvester could step in if the need arises.
The infield consists of Amanda Rodriguez at shortstop, Michelle Haydel at second base, Bethany Sarabia at first base and Nicole Haydel at third base. Destiny Duvic adds a good bat and depth to a very talented and athletic infield.
Sylvester and junior Natalie Babineaux are returning starters that patrol the outfield, while the right field position has gone through a fierce battle with Lauren Vicknair, Quintero and Jade Ferraro fighting for playing time at the position.
Destrehan will find out how good they are when they face off against Hahnville on March 17. The game is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. at Hahnville.
Be the first to comment