Ponytails, Angels begin district play at MERE

By SHELIA MADER
Published: June 18, 2008

Dixie Softball District action opens up tonight at Optimist Park with teams in Ponytails and Angels competing for a chance to move to the State Championship.

In Ponytails action, Marianna will take the field at 7:30 p.m., against Franklin County. 

In their bid to win the district, the Ponytails will be under the leadership of Mark Willis, Frankie Gullett and Brandt Spooner. 

Taking control in the circle will be pitchers Breanna Willis, Reagan Oliver, Faith Moore, Shaniah “Strawberry” Spellman and Sheridan Dryden.

Behind the plate, Marianna will have Madison Gullett and Reagan Oliver sharing duties.

Willis, Tamera Pope and Madison Gullett will handle first base while Hannaih Spooner will anchor down second. 

Caitlyn Carpenter will field third base and Moore will take care of the shortstop position. 

In the outfield, Marianna will have Sheridan Dryden, Hailey Tew, Cheyenne Corbin, Jordan Hussey, and Shaniah Spellman.

The Ponytails bring plenty of All-Star experience to the field with eight of the 12 players having competed at the next level prior to this year. 

The coaching staff is very positive about the potential they have on the field. 

Willis says, “These girls have worked hard not only during all-star practice but this entire season. They have given a hundred percent in every game and every practice and you can’t ask for better than that.”

Willis concluded with, “I have high hopes for this team.”

Marianna opens up district play at 7:30 p.m., Thursday against Franklin County with the Sneads Ponytails taking on Port St. Joe at 5:30 p.m.
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In Angels action, Marianna will look to Roger Wilson, Travis Bruner and Joe Hearns to guide their youngsters, all 9-10-year-olds, to a district championship.

The Marianna Angels will have four pitchers to lead them on the field. 

Amy Gearhart, Maya Stewart, Valerie Sims and Taniyah Robinson have led their teams during the regular season and will look to do so in all-star competition.

At first will be Jakivia Hearns and Robinson with Carlee Wilson the vacuum at second. 

At short will be Sims while Lexi Basford will cover the left side at third base.  Behind the plate will be Kaleigh Bruner. 

The outfield will be solid with Selena Ubias, Kayleigh Temple, Gearhart, Stewart, Chaquisha Spears and Christina Johnson.

The Angels have been hard at practice since ending their regular season and the coaching staff appears pleased with their effort and progress,

“We’re coming together as a team and I think the girls have given it their all. We’re ready to be on the field”, says Wilson.
Marianna will open play at 7:30 p.m., against Franklin County at Optimist Park.