By Andrew Cato, ShowMe Times Sports

The Bell City Lady Cubs softball team have already had a good start to their 2011 season. So far, the young squad - led by lone senior Alicia Metcalf - has had some good wins against Leopold and Richland, but caught their first loss of the season against Dexter on Thursday (March 25).


Coach Andy Roberts, entering his second season at the helm of the softball team, was excited about his young team’s chances this season.

“We’re young - we have six sophomores - but we’ve got a lot of ability,” Roberts said. “We still make some mistakes, but they’re all things we can correct. They play hard, and are no trouble to coach. We need to hit better, but again, they’re coachable, and over time we’ll get better.”


Roberts noted his team’s defense as the team’s strong suit this year.

“Our defense is solid - up the middle, good centerfield, shortstop and second base, great catching,” Roberts continued. “Our overall infield play is good. We have some inexperience in the outfield, and we’re working with that.”


“Lindsey Rendleman pitched the whole game Monday, and did a pretty good job,” Roberts said of his sophomore ace. “She had five walks in the game - four in the first inning - but once she got settled down, she got a good rhythm. She has the potential to be one of the better pitchers around here.”


“Trish Slagley,” Roberts continued on his junior shortstop, “is going to be a great hitter for us this year. Hopefully she’ll be able to put some runs on the board this season.”