HOLLIS TIGERS
Coach: DERICK HODGES
26-8
OUTLOOK
Hollis won 26 games a year ago and won its first regional playoff game in program history, but that taste of success didn’t satisfy the Tigers’ appetite — it left them wanting more. “Our team is very excited coming into the fall season with a lot of positives. We graduated only one starter from a team who won districts and competed very hard in regional playoffs,” head coach Derick Hodges said. “We look to continue to do things that have never been accomplished here, and the girls have their minds set on the state tournament! We will have a good mix of athletes who will all contribute in some way to do their part.” Jaycee McFerrin (Jr.) had a stellar junior year. “Jaycee is our pitcher. She does an incredible job in the circle and she is the one who makes us go,” Hodges said. “As a sophomore last season, she was eighth in the state with 250 strikeouts, and she also provided some pop in the lineup as well.” While Jaycee paces Hollis’s defense, her younger sister, Karlee (So.), paces its offense. “Kearlee led our team and would have led almost any team in hits and average last season as a freshman. She is not afraid of the big moments and is a very talented softball player,” Hodges said. “She was voted by the coaches of our area as the offensive MVP last season as a freshman. She has a strong arm and is very tough as a catcher as well, which helps us a lot defensively.” Tori Whisenant (Jr.) is one of the team’s most talented overall players. “She can hit for average, hit with power, very good offensive player and she saves us a lot by playing first base,” Hodges said. “She quietly goes about her business and never shows when something goes wrong. She works very hard, and I look for her to have a great season!” Peyton Dugger (Sr.) looks to provide her talent and steadying presence this fall after suffering a late-season injury last year. “Peyton is an all-around great young lady, Hodges said. “She always has a positive attitude and tries her best to not let negativity influence her or the team.”
