Like the majority of the baseball and softball teams in southeastern Alabama, the Pike Liberal Arts Patriots softball team has been sidelined due to weather.

The Pats have played just one game, winning it decisively 10-1, but head coach Wayne Grant said that it is too early to get a gauge of how talented the team is.

“Coming in to the season I felt like we would be pretty good,” said Grant. “After seeing us play the one game we had, I still feel that way. However, it is a little early to get excited. We need to play some more, and in about three or four weeks, we will know what we need.”

In their lone game, the Patriots got seven solid innings in the circle from Shelby Baggett and Ellie Barron. Baggett went four innings, struck out two batters and gave up just one run. Barron completely shut down the opponent down during her three innings of work. Barron struck out six batters and didn’t give up a run.

Grant feels that the arms of Baggett and Barron can carry the team if the bats go cold in a game.

“We have some good, young pitchers,” said Grant. “They are just juniors so they will improve even more in the future. Our pitching and catching will be pretty good.”

The three and four batters in the lineup, Baggett and Lexi Pigot, also made a lot of noise with the bat in the game for the Patriots. Baggett went 2-4 from the plate, had one RBI and scored three runs. Pigot also went 2-4, scoring two runs and knocking in three.

“We hit the ball well in our first game,” said Grant. “The girls are seeing the ball well, and making good, solid contact. We need to keep that up for the entire season.”

Grant said that the Patriots have younger players that will contribute throughout the season.

“We are calling up some of the girls from the JV team,” said Grant. “They are ready to play, and we have no second guesses about putting them in the game at any point. They will be helpful for us the entire season.”

The Pike softball team will travel to Lee-Scott Academy on Thursday, Feb. 28 for a non-region matchup. They will also participate in the Morgan Academy Tournament on March 1-2 in Selma.