South Lenoir Softball Ready to Defend Conference Title in 2024 Season
South Lenoir Softball Ready to Defend Conference Title in 2024 Season
Coming off a 15-6 season that saw them claim the East Central Conference championship, the South Lenoir Blue Devils are looking to run it back under third-year head coach Madison Harvey. With a strong core returning, the expectations are clear: defend their conference crown and make a deep postseason push.
“I actually sat all the girls down last week and made them come up with goals for the season,” Harvey said. “The majority of them said they want to win conference again. So that’s definitely our plan and what the goal for all of us is—to come back and win.”
The Blue Devils return key contributors on both sides of the ball, including junior Carley Boone, who led the team with a .433 batting average last season, driving in 15 runs with four doubles, two triples, and three home runs. Sophomore Rylan Wade (.385, 11 RBIs, four homers) and junior Makenzie Herring (.328, 19 RBIs, seven doubles, three triples) add more power to an already potent lineup.
In the circle, South Lenoir will again lean on senior Callie Tyndall and sophomore Jade Sasnett. Tyndall posted a 6-1 record last year with a 2.75 ERA in 56 innings, while Sasnett went 7-1 with a 2.22 ERA, striking out 77 in 63 innings of work. The duo will anchor the pitching staff, but Harvey also noted the arrival of freshman Kellynn Swinson, a surprise addition who adds depth to the rotation.
“You can never have too many pitchers,” Harvey said. “She has a good little curveball and off-speed pitch. I’m excited to see her step in and fill some roles that we lost.”
While the Blue Devils return a wealth of talent, they will have to overcome a significant loss. Junior shortstop Makenzie Herring, who was set to be a key defensive piece, will miss the season due to shoulder surgery.
“That wasn’t a card I expected to draw,” Harvey said. “But we’re going to have to make adjustments and go with it. She’ll still be with us, traveling and helping, just not physically playing.”
With Herring out, the infield will see some changes, and one player expected to step up is Lily Cole, who Harvey describes as “a little firecracker.”
“She’s a ball of energy, like a little golden retriever. Just so positive,” Harvey said. “She’ll probably be our shortstop.”
South Lenoir’s offensive success will largely rest on the bats of Boone, Wade, and Tyndall, who Harvey expects to be the team’s biggest run producers.
“I’m expecting a lot of RBIs from them and big moments where they come in clutch,” Harvey said. “They’ll be in the top four or five of the lineup, and I’m really going to be dependent on them to carry us offensively.”
While the returning core is strong, several younger players have stepped up, including Addison Jones, Jersey Sasnett, and Reese Cash. Cash, who played volleyball in the fall, is trying her hand at softball and has impressed early.
“She’s really been killing it,” Harvey said. “It’s been a pleasant surprise.”
As for the team’s overall mentality, Harvey sees a motivated group that’s not dwelling on last year’s success but rather looking ahead.
“These girls want it,” she said. “Day one of practice, I asked them what our goal is, and they said, ‘We’re winning conference. We’re making a run in the playoffs.’ They’re already thinking ahead, which is exciting.”
The Blue Devils will open their season soon, and with a balanced mix of returning talent and emerging newcomers, the path is set for another memorable year in Deep Run.
