Note: This is a short series on the Bulldogs' spring sports which were in full swing but were ultimately cut short due to the pandemic
WILSON, N.C. – The Barton College Softball Team appeared to be in a pretty good spot in the middle of March just prior to the season being cut short. The Bulldogs, at 10-12, wrapped up a strong performance at the Fastpitch Dreams Classic in Little River, S.C., thanks to four victories and were ready for the start of Conference Carolinas play.
"This team had really seemed to have turned a curve," said Barton Head Coach Junior Bailey. "We had a huge storm hit a few weeks ago at Wingate and nothing went our way. But we played decent over spring break (Fastpitch) and then played a strong Mercy team who we swept (2-1 and 6-4 on Friday, February 28). We were really excited and started to figure each other out right before conference."
The Bulldogs' two "seniors" were actually early graduate juniors: Hayley Grizzle (Rocky Point, N.C.) and Taylor Freeman (Stem, N.C.).
"These young ladies are so well-liked and were just great teammates," said Bailey. "They never made the season about them, at all. Hayley (Grizzle) and Taylor (Freeman) just wanted to have a great season for their teammates and worked hard on the field and really were having fun and having a good season!"
Bailey could also envision his team rising in the standings this year. "I think we would have been in the middle of the pack for conference and then would have shown well in the league tournament!"
Bailey, like most coaches, looks to the future with optimism. "I'm really excited about our team coming in for 2021 and knowing what they want. They are great players, great people and understand what it is going to take to do well next season."
Barton's recruiting class for 2021 includes Meghan Young (Greensboro, N.C.), Rilee Jones (Norfolk, Va.), Sydney Wade (Farmville, N.C.), Logan Lucas (Kinston, N.C.), Kandyce Condrey (Greensboro, N.C.) and Elyse Brinn (Belhaven, N.C.).
