Plenty of reason for optimism
By Gary Corsair
Sports Writer
Hayesville’s young softball team begins Smoky Mountain Conference play this week with one traumatic loss under their belt.
A 15-0 season-opening loss to Pisgah on March 4 was hard to swallow, but the lopsided score doesn’t mean the Lady Jackets (0-1) won’t be competitive.
For one thing, Pisgah is a 3A school; Hayesville is 1A. Pisgah is a very good 3A — the Bears were 15-6 last year and are 3-0 in 2025.
“Pisgah is a very good team,” Hayesville Coach Marissa Peck said.
There’s another reason for optimism — Hayesville crushed Andrews, 26-13, last year.
Friday’s conference opener at Andrews will give us a better idea of what kind of team Hayesville is fielding this season.
Potential is the operative word.
“We have a young, inexperienced team. We have some veterans having to play some positions they aren’t accustomed to and we are thin numbers wise. We are going to work hard and try to continue to develop the program,” said Peck.
Senior shortstop Raylyn Taylor is one of the most impressive veterans. Taylor ended last season on a tear, batting .545 over the final five games.
Sophomore outfielder Lillie McClure batted a team-high .302 last year, led the Lady Jackets in on base percentage, steals and doubles and twice — against Smoky Mountain and Hiwassee Dam — cranked three hits in four at bats. She batted clean-up against Pisgah.
Senior Mallory Peck, a .278 career hitter who led Hayesville in RBI’s and fielding percentage, is the top returning pitcher.
Sophomore Danielle Anderson, who led the team in slugging percentage, .555, and three triples a year ago, is expected to make her season debut Friday after finger surgery.
Hayesville hopes to break into the win column before next week when the Lady Jackets play road games Monday, Smoky Mountain and Friday, Hiwassee Dam and host Hiwassee Dam Tuesday.