The Lady Tigers softball took the field on Saturday at Paulson Tournament putting the spotlight on the team’s only returning senior, Jena Alford.
The senior pitcher was a backup to last year’s stellar pitcher Jenny Tart. As the only senior on the team, Alford must not only perform well but feels the pressure of having to carry the team.
“I feel like a lot of people are looking up to me to help the younger players out,” she said. “I feel some pressure being the only senior and the only returning varsity player.”
Her arm was put to the test over the weekend as she pitched three back-to-back games during the tournament.
“I got tired towards the end, but I think I did pretty good,” Alford said.
She said she looks forward to playing against Groves and Camden County, as they are two of the tougher opponents the Tigers will meet this year.
“Last year we didn’t play too bad against Groves and I think we have a chance of beating them this year,” she said.
In addition to her pitching skills Alford can bat both left and right handed and said that she has improved and feels more comfortable batting left even though she is right handed.
“Depending on how their defense is set up determines whether I will bat left or right handed,” she said.
The senior said the best advice she could give to younger players is to work hard and practice.
“When you are young and inexperienced you have to work hard and stay at it,” she said
Alford wants to play softball at the collegiate level and hopes to play well enough to be offered that opportunity.