The Italy Lady Gladiators kick the sand from their pre-season cleats and tighten the leather straps on their softball gloves a bit tighter, as they hope to get their mitts on another District Title.

The stats turned in by the team throughout the pre-season have been impressive to say the least. The Lady Gladiators have made big plays with big smiles on their faces. However, as most championship runs seem to play out, these young ladies will have to overcome a few early setbacks.

Right out of the dugout, the lone Senior on the squad, Angelica Garza, broke her ankle at a tournament in Waxahachie. Coach Jennifer Reeves also lost her two long-ball sluggers in Julia McDaniel and Cori Jeffords. McDaniel, Italy’s starting catcher, is out for the season while Jeffords will try to find away to return to the sand pit after injuring her shoulder in practice last week.

As a result, the team has suffered through two disappointing losses to end the pre-season but still has the momentum of a 10-4 record (Including scrimmages). Italy will use their solid record as motivation heading into their District opener against Covington Tuesday in Italy at 5:30 p.m.

Coach Reeves and the Lady Gladiators will rely on their pitching staff led by Junior, Courtney Westbrook, and a capable defense who’s infield is anchored by 1st Baseman Drew Windham and 2nd Baseman Abby Griffith.

Outfielding duties will mainly be a group effort as Lupita Luna and Nikki Brashear will help fill the void left by Garza’s absence.

Coach Reeves told the Italy Neotribune, “I think the girls are ready to start district. We have been working hard all year and it’s time to show everybody what we are made of. The top of our lineup is hitting the ball really well and the second half is starting to come around. Our girls will be focused and ready to beat Covington.”

So all you faithful Softball fans don’t want to miss the District opener Tuesday. This game should be loaded with excitement, drama and strategy.

If you need excitement, you can definitely skip watching American Idol since Italy’s dugout will be singing and cheering with the kind of energy that would even impress Simon Cowell.

Need drama? Why watch Dancing With The Stars who’s judges can’t seem to hold those little score cards correctly? When the Lady Gladiators get ready to dance past Covington, they’ll be judged by umpires who require protection behind a steel mask and wearing body armor. Now that’s dramatic!

Enjoy strategy? No need to watch Survivor Island re-runs with Italy’s Westbrook on the mound trying to lead Italy to a win.

What’s the bottom base line for Italy? After loosing three key players and no Seniors on the field, this young Lady Gladiator team will have to rely on each other. And their 1st test will be against Covington on Tuesday.

“I keep telling the team, “If they practice hard and play hard they can beat anybody, and that is what we are trying to do right now,” added Coach Reeves.

Whatever the outcome, the season is shaping up to be a fun one for Italy fans. As the sands in the hour glass…so are the games of our softball lives.

It’s showtime!