By Sophia Riedi
The Gainesville Hurricanes softball team, which is ranked 7th in The Prep Zone Power Poll, is off to a good start this season with a 5-1 record. Their only loss comes from a 2-1 fall to Middleburg on February 25th.
Before things shut down in 2020, the Hurricanes had a 7-0 record under Coach Chris Chronister, who has been in the head coaching roll for 5 years.
The Gainesville team took a loss in two-time 7A pitcher of the year Alissa Humphrey, who graduated last year.
“New pitchers will have to step up to replace Alissa Humphrey,” said Coach Chronister.
The Hurricanes add transfer Addison Joseph from Haverford, PA and have six returning starters for the season.
2021 Preseason Softball Outlook
School: Gainesville High School
Coach’s name: Chris Chronister
Years as head coach: 5
2020-21 Class/District/Region: 5A, District 3, Region 1
2019-20 Overall Record: 7-0
Number of returning starters: 6 Returning Starters
Sr. – #16 Briana Boggs (C), .434 AVG, 10 H, 6 RBI
Sr. – #5 Ayanna Woodard (SS), .428 AVG, 9 H, 4 RBI
Jr. – #2 Parris Wiggs (OF), .555 AVG, 15 H, 4 RBI
Jr. – #15 Jayla Clark (OF), .444 AVG, 8 H, 4 RBI
So. – #33 Cheyenne Boggs (3B), .316 AVG, 6 H, 5 RBI
So. – #12 Karter Thorp (2B), .158 AVG, 3 H, 1 RBI
Key losses: Alissa Humphrey (P), 106 K, .478 AVG, 20 RBI
Key games: 3/12 – Away vs. Columbia, 3/13 – Home vs. Lakewood Ranch, 4/1– Home vs. Columbia, Apr 9 – Away vs. Middleburg, Apr 20 – Home vs. Trenton
Outlook for 2020-21: “Junior, Kyra Hornsby, and Sophomore, Charlotte Sims, will have to prove themselves in the circle. They should have a solid defense behind them and a potent offense that will need to put runs on the board.” – Coach Chronister
