By Thomas Grant Jr.
Having the “team to beat” target is something embraced by Gray Collegiate Academy softball.
The S.C. Coaches Association of Women’s Sports ranked the Lady War Eagles number one in its preseason softball poll. Even with three state titles in four years, this showed bring even more attention to their success.
After winning twice in Class 2A, Gray Collegiate Academy immediately entered Class 4A and continued their success with a 32-3 record and another title last season.
Under head coach Doug Frye, the program have welcomed the challenge of facing Class 5A opponents and other championship quality programs in other classifications. For Tuesday’s season-opener, Gray Collegiate Academy visited defending Class 5A champion Catawba Ridge.
“It’s another day to us,” Frye said. “You get out there and compete. We want to play the best every year. That’s what makes it great for the playoffs when we play (J.F.) Byrnes, Summerville, Berkeley, Catawba Ridge, that’s who we open up with (Tuesday). We play all the better teams. I just want to challenge my girls.”
Gray Collegiate Academy returns a healthy mix of experience and youth. Leading the way is last year’s South Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year Aspen Boulware.
The University of South Carolina signee, who opted to skip her senior year at Gray Collegiate Academy, set a school record with 22 home runs to go with 67 runs scored, 44 RBI and a .573 batting average.
“She’s just special all-around,” Frye said. “A good leader, leads by example. Works hard. Gets all the extra balls. Whatever it takes.”
Other key leaders are pitchers Peyton Hendrix, who has not lost a game in two years, and McKenzie Sease. Among the newest players whom Frye sees with a bright future are freshman Ella Griffin, sophomore infielder Georgia Griffth and sophomore catcher/infielder Peyton Reed.
Frye believes this year’s team is more “athletic”. While he does not expect to hit 60 home runs like last year, stolen bases and extra base hits should be the norm this season.
SOUTH CAROLINA COACHES ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN’S SPORTS PRESEASON SOFTBALL POLL
Class 5A Division I: 1. J.F. Byrnes; 2. Summerville; 3. Sumter; 4. Lexington; 5. Clover; 6. Dorman; 7. Ashley Ridge; 8. West Ashley; 9. Boiling Springs
Class 5A Division II: 1. Catawba Ridge; 2. St. James; 3. West Florence; 4. Woodmont; 5. Berkeley; 6. North Myrtle Beach; 7. Indian Land; 8. Chapin; 9. Nation Ford; 10. Gaffney
Class 4A: 1. Gray Collegiate; 2. York; 3. AC Flora; 4. North Augusta; 5. Midland Valley; 6. Hartsville; 7. South Florence; 8. Westside; 9. Fountain Inn; 10. Darlington
Class 3A: 1. Aynor; 2. Belton-Honea Path; 3. Oceanside Collegiate; 4. West-Oak; 5. Hanahan; 6. Crescent; 7. Loris; 8. Palmetto; 9. Dillon; 10. Chapman
Class 2A: 1. East Clarendon; 2. Saluda; 3. Chesnee; 4. Buford; 5. Ninety-Six; 6. Woodland; 7. Pelion; 8. Chesterfield; 9. Marion; 10. Mid-Carolina
Class A: 1. Latta; 2. Lewisville; 3. Hannah-Pamplico; 4. Whitmire; 5. Branchville; 6. Dixie; 7. Lamar; 8. Lake View; 9. McBee; 10. Ware Shoals
