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SB SEASON PREVIEW -- Wildcats Readies for Next Step on 2020 Softball Diamond

2/7/2020 1:56:00 PM

By: Chris Myers
2020 Roster
2020 Schedule
2019 Season Statistics
FORT VALLEY, Ga. – Coming off its first run to the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Tournament in the past decade, Fort Valley State readies for its next step on the 2020 softball diamond.
 
In his third season at the helm, Wildcats head coach Jason Bryant's program turnaround continues its drive for more improvement this spring. After making a solid showing before bowing out of the SIAC Tournament, a good mix of veterans and younger players are set for his team's next run of progress within the Conference ranks.

 
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OF - Ashley Simmons-Blair
"I look to continue to improve as a team. In back-to-back season, we have been able to accomplish progress in the program, but it is a daily process," said Bryant. "This team seems to jell well, at this point, going into the start of the season. We have good speed and the real potential to be a solid defensive team."
 
The 2020 Wildcats will have the luxury of three Preseason All-SIAC First Team players – Shakerra Geter, Jahara Buggs and Keteria Loney – leading the charge and foundation for the year.
 
The trio and the Wildcats start their season campaign this weekend with four of their 23 home games this spring. FVSU hosts Trinity Baptist on Saturday, Feb. 8, in a doubleheader at 1 p.m. and second game at 3 p.m. On Sunday, FVSU welcomes Sewanee University for a pair of contests at the same 1 and 3 p.m. first pitches.
 
Both Geter and Buggs earned 2019 All-SIAC Second Team acclaim, while Loney makes her first All-Conference appearance following her solid junior season. The three Wildcats will solidify three of the team's 10 lineup spots.
 
Starting with catching position, Geter and Loney will be the main backstops. With a three-year career average of .333 (86 of 258), Geter anchors the Wildcats batting lineup. The Newnan, Ga., product played in every game a year ago where she went 34-for-102 for a .333 average. Geter added 18 runs, seven doubles, two triples, two home runs, 22 RBI and a .500 slugging percentage along with a .979 fielding percentage in 141 chances split between catcher and third base.
 
Loney (Decatur, Ga.), like Geter, played third base and catcher along with being the team's designated player when not playing the field. At either of the three spots, the senior will add another .300-plus hitter to the offensive lineup. Loney was fourth in hitting last season at .324 with 23 hits in 71 at bats. She also tied for the team lead with two homers and third in RBI (17), while she scored nine runs.
 
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2B - Tavyonne Dallis

With the two veteran catchers behind the plate, the FVSU pitching staff has one returner – sophomore Re'Nesha Goolsby (Macon, Ga.) and three new faces of junior transfer Kayla Phillips (Stockbridge, Ga.) and freshmen Reyleigh Murray (Dalton, Ga.) and Caprice Johnson (Woodstock, Ga.) in the circle. The overall staff aims to improve upon the team's 5.89 ERA and only 100 strikeouts in 209.0 innings logged last spring. An improved Goolsby looks to improve upon her 6.21 ERA and 28 strikeouts over 53.0 innings from her first year, while Phillips comes from Georgia Highlands College, Murray from South East High and Johnson out of River Ridge High.
 
Along with Geter and Loney as options at third base, coach Bryant will have versatility with his players across the infield positions. FVSU has seniors Ladayshia Williams (Palmetto, Fla.) and Tavyonne Dallis (Lithonia, Ga.), junior Tyanna Askew (Dublin, Ga.) and freshmen Destiny Fitzpatrick (LaGrange, Ga.) and Phillips for the four spots. Williams lined 21 hits in 85 at bats (.247) with 14 runs and 11 RBI last spring, while Askew hit .250 (10 of 40) with seven runs and two stolen bases.
 
In what looks to be another talented group of outfielders, Buggs (Rockdale, Ga.) and three-year starter Ashley Simmons-Blair (Aiken, S.C.) are penciled in to lead the unit. Buggs provided consistent play in right field on her way to earning All-SIAC Second Team honors. The sophomore posted a .325 average on 27 hits in 83 at bats. Jahara led the Wildcats with seven stolen bases in eight attempts, while she was second in runs (16) and six doubles. Buggs added 14 RBI and belted one homer.
 
Center fielder Simmons-Blair hit over .284 for the second year in a row as she recorded her career-best .321 (34 of 106) on her way to leading FVSU in runs scored (20) to go with three doubles and 12 RBI.
 
Making up the rest of the outfielders, seniors Marlayzha Crutchfield (Monroe, Ga.) and Amiah Height (Jessup, Ga.), who may also see time at first base, juniors Micah Sheppard (Covington, Ga.), Destiny McInytre (Edison, Ga.) and transfer Kiara Price (Columbus, Ga.), sophomore Alera Buie (Gainesville, Fla.) and freshman Makayla Cruz-Vazquez (Winter Garden, Fla.) complete the squad.
 
Buie and Crutchfield saw the most action of the rest of the outfielder vying for playing time last season. As a freshman, Buie smacked nine hits in 35 at bats (.257) with five runs, a double, four RBI and two stolen bases. Crutchfield had seven hits, five runs and drew five walks.
 
With what should be a sunny opening weekend, the next Wildcats softball squad takes the field ready to show their hard work and growth for a season set with great optimism in results.
 
 
-Wildcats-
 
 
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