PRC softball preparing for two games in two days
Published 7:00 am Friday, February 28, 2020
Pearl River Central’s Lady Blue Devils softball team was supposed to have a game against Petal on Feb. 24, but due to inclement weather the game was canceled.
The Lady Blue Devils have instead used the extra practice time to prepare for a busy weekend.
Friday night PRC will take on the George County Rebels, a team that stands 2-2 after defeating East Central 5-3 on Feb. 25.
Saturday morning, the Lady Blue Devils have a matchup with the Hancock Hawks who will be looking for their first win of the season.
PRC is currently 2-0 and a big reason for that is the offensive weapons of Keigan Pearson and Madi Glidewell, who were both named All-District last year.
Glidewell currently has a batting average of 1.000 while Pearson is close behind with a batting average of .750.
It’s early in the season and those incredible numbers are likely to drop as the team plays more games, but it’s still impressive for both athletes to be such threats in the batting box.
Both seniors have been starters since their freshman year. Head Coach Tony Labella said Pearson’s power at the plate mixes well with her defensive abilities.
“Keigan is a really good power hitter and she’s done that for four years. She also plays first base and outfield, which gives us some flexibility,” Labella said.
Glidewell is dangerous at the plate, but is also valuable defensively as the conductor of the Lady Blue Devils’ defense from her catching position.
Labella said Glidewell is a student of the game, which is what has made her so successful behind the plate.
From veteran pitchers who were years older than her, to the middle school pitchers comprising the staff this year, Glidewell has guided them all.
Labella said Glidwell even helps younger players during drills, explaining the importance and intricacies each drill presents.
“Madi Glidewell is the glue of our team. She’s so versatile and smart about the game. I’ve been coaching a long time and very few kids (have been) as ready to play at the next level as she is,” Labella said.
Pearson has signed with Pearl River Community College to continue her playing career, while Glidwell is still surveying her options.
PRC will need good performances from both players over the weekend as the team looks to stay undefeated.
The Lady Blue Devils can’t let Friday’s result, good or bad, affect them when they play Hancock Saturday morning.
Labella said even if it’s not a great situation to play a game Friday night and then another Saturday morning, the team will have to overcome the challenges it faces.
“It’s probably not ideal because by the time we play them it’ll be 6 days since our last game.”
“That morning wakeup call will be tough for some (of the players),” Labella said.