Dillon’s Lady Wildcats finished the 2013 softball season as lower state runner-up, but this year, Coach Shirl Carter wants to take the team all the way.

“I expect this team to compete for a region, lower state, and state championship,” she said.

The Lady Wildcats finished last season with a 25-5 record and a region title, sweeping through District play without allowing a single run. But Dillon ran up against Waccamaw in the first round of the Lower State bracket. The Wildcats battled their way back for a shot at the title and defeated Waccamaw 4-3 to force a second game, but the Lady Warriors eliminated Dillon 11-1.

Waccamaw went on to play Crescent for the state title, falling 3-2 and 8-1 in the series.

Carter, now in her 25th year of coaching and 11th year as head coach of the Lady Wildcats, expects Waccamaw to be a challenge, and notes the addition of two new opponents, Hartsville and Carolina Forest, this season.

The Wildcats lost four seniors last season and coach Megan Jackson, but welcomed Briana Fronebeger and Auh’Keria Smiling along with Assistant Coach Robbie Hinson for 2014.

Carter says the team is strong and experienced in most positions, but will have to work on catcher, right field, and left field.

“This team has great potential,” she said, “but it will take a total team effort to reach our goals.”

The Wildcats will get their regular season underway on Friday, March 14, when they are scheduled to host Hartsville at 6:30 p.m. Make plans to attend to support our local team!