“This week has been the best practice week that we’ve had all year,” Fayetteville head coach Chris Sherbert said Wednesday.
Sherbert said the team now practices in two groups, infield players practice for an hour. Outfield players then practice for an hour. The change was made so Sherbert and his assistant coach could also conduct spring football practice while not shortchanging the softball team.
“It kind of worked out great,” Sherbert said. “The small numbers mean everybody gets more reps. They’ve worked really hard.”
Sherbert said the team has improved as the season progressed.
“Dani Byrd, she’s come a long way at the plate,” he said. “She’s very good at coaching herself and…she changed her batting stance and that has really helped her. Shelby Guy has been pretty solid for us as far as offense and pitching. Mandolin Parrett, she’s stepped up as far as helping us with the pitching rotation as well. We’ve had to throw her in and she’s really answered the call on that.”
The Wolves finished second in the area tournament. They opened the tournament with a one-run loss to Talladega County Central, which dropped Fayetteville into the consolation bracket. The Wolves then faced TC Central again and beat the Lady Tigers to advance to the finals. After finishing as runner up in the tournament, the Lady Wolves earned the chance to advance to the regional tournament.
Sherbert said the team’s hitting has improved in the last few weeks. If that continues on Friday, the Lady Wolves could be a team to watch as the tournament progresses.
“If we can keep putting the bat on the ball and continue hitting like we have, we might surprise some folks,” Sherbert said.
The Lady Wolves take on the Lady Bulldogs of Wadley on Friday at 12:30 p.m. at the Sportsplex in Troy.
