Lady Royals celebrate softball season.

From BleckleyProgress.com

High School Sports
Lady Royals celebrate softball season.
By Dave Whitaker
Dec 18, 2013, 02:38

Guests enjoy the senior slideshow, one of two shown. The meal included smoked pork choks from Scott's BBQ.

Though there were some exciting games and moments such as taking top seed Jeff Davis to three games in the state playoffs, the Lady Royals softball season didn't go as well as anyone hoped. This year's team was domnated by underclassmen including four freshmen starters.

Faith Harris was one of the freshmen starters.

But head coach Janice Bryan wouldn't use that an excuse, even if others would. She said as much during Tuesday's awards banquet held at First Baptist Church. She said both herself and Teresa Gray both expected the girls to give their best effort always. Bryan said they did and praised them for how hard they worked throughout the season.

Taylor Dykes played several positions this season.

She said their (the coaches) job was easier because of the good attitudes of this year's team and was once again "drama free." Bryan also thanked parents and families for their support and understanding of how she and Gray operated. She said they both made sure to communicate with the girls both when they were pleased as well as when something needed to be corrected.

Hannah Coulter played third base for the first time in her career this season.

Players received certificates. They were also given workout T-Shirts. As per tradition, seniors got picture blankets. Team awards began with all region selections. Taylor Little and Taylor Dykes made first team. Allison Collins and Hannah Coulter were honorable mentions.

Lauren Powell made several big catches in centerfield.

Dykes and Coulter won Best Offense and Best Defense awards. Little won the team-voted Heather Dixon Leadership Award. Bryan told the story for those who did not know how the award came about. Dixon along with two other girls, were killed in a car wreck. The award was created at her parent's request.

Taylor Little had seven errors this season in making the 4-AA All Region Team.

Lauren Powell, one of three players who transfered in, got the Coaches Award. Little was named MVP, also voted on by teammates. Other presenations included gifts for the coaches presented by seniors and gifts to people who helped during the season.

Shayni Gartno examines her photo blanket.

Diamond Club President Brandon Keel closed with telling everyone the club was in good shape financially and thanking members for their support noting how it took money for things such as tournaments and feeding the team. He thanked the coaches for their efforts noting how much work Bryan puts in and ended with thanking everyone for attending.

Teresa Gray hugs Malika McFane after receiving her gifts as head coach Janice Bryan and others look on.