Putnam County softball began its season this week, and head coach Mollie Jones is hoping for a better result in 2025.
The Lady War Eagles finished 2024 with a 3-17 overall record after a 3-16 mark two years ago. They’ve had a young roster the past two seasons, but this year, Putnam returns a wealth of experience, so Jones is optimistic.
“This year, we do have some returning players, which we’re very excited about,” Jones said. “We’ve also got a lot of new girls coming out, some new to softball and some just new to our program.”
Jones stressed the team will rely on its three seniors — Kindall Ward, A’Ziyah Williams, and Kadyn Dennis — for leadership and accountability. Each has contributed and played a significant role in the past few years.
Jones pointed out that some of the other players showing flashes of potential include Bristol Harris, Kennedy Davis, and Ashylun Fuller. Each is a junior who contributed last season and enhances the depth of the roster.
“We have a lot of girls who stepped up and are trying different positions and doing very well. Over the summer, they did a good job,” the fourth-year coach said. “Everybody was out for the summer practices. They even came out during spring whenever we were doing workouts. I can’t wait to see what happens this year.”
A strength for Putnam is its pitching. Jones suggested that depth in the circle will carry the team this year.
“We actually have many more girls pitching this year, so we’re really excited to have more depth with our pitchers and more girls who can pitch,” Jones said. “You know, in the past, we only had a few. But this year, I think we have about five girls. So, I’m looking forward to that.”
Last season, Putnam struggled with giving up runs and walking batters, but the team lacked pitching depth. Those arms this year include Harris, Davis, Fuller, and freshman Abigail Roberts.
Jones admitted that offensively, the team can improve its approach at the plate. She said the players worked hard during the offseason in the batting cages, practicing their timing on pitches and on driving the ball with power.
The Lady War Eagles were shut out seven times last year, so their offensive production needs to improve to win.
“Batting, we’re still working on it, but a lot of our new girls have done a good job with hitting,” Jones said. “Some of them were completely new to softball. Our returning ones have definitely improved a lot during the offseason. I’ve got two that I think will hit a home run this year. I believe this will be their year to clear the fence.”
Jones said that Ward, Dennis, and Williams will lead the charge offensively.
Beyond remaining competitive in a challenging region with Lamar County and Social Circle, the goal this season is to make the playoffs again. The Lady War Eagles reached the postseason last year but were eliminated in the first round.
“It’s a very tough region, and those are all your state finalists when it comes to softball. So, we’re hoping to do well in the region,” Jones said. “And really, we’re hoping to bring back the fire of softball to Putnam County.”