Lots of depth for Marshall softball

The talent pool is strong for Marshall Academy softball.

“We are starting the season with the biggest roster we have ever had,” said veteran head coach Carlton Gibson. “We have 24 girls on the team, with seven returning starters and a lot of new talent to go with them.

“We are strong at every position, and we have more depth than we’ve ever had.”

The MA girls throw the first pitch of the season this Saturday, July 27, as they play in a tournament being held at Hinds Community College.

“We are starting the season out by playing the defending state champion, Clinton Christian, and that will tell us a lot about where we are and how hard we need to work,” he said.

The Lady Patriots finished fifth in the Class AA State Tournament last year and ended the season with a 34-9 record. They won the state crown in 2017.

Gibson looks for big things from this year’s squad.

“I am as excited about this team as I have ever been about a team,” he said. “If we can stay injury-free, we should go a long way.”

There are three seniors, Faith Shankle, Karina Mays and Abby Bell, who will be depended on greatly for leadership.

There are five juniors and the rest 10th-graders and below.

“Our pitching staff is strong and should be able to hang with anyone,” Gibson said. “The future looks good for Marshall softball.”

Gibson will be assisted by Wayne Vannucci.