SEQUOYAH TAHLEQUAH LADY INDIANS
Coach: Jeff Turtle
Last Year: 36-7
A perennial contender for a state tournament entry, the Lady Indians are eager to return to the Class 3A state tournament after having their hopes dashed in the super regionals last season. Sequoyah returns seven starters to this year’s lineup as the seek their eighth state tournament appearance in the last 12 years paced by a pair of 4-year starters Emma Culie and Laynie Smith.
“Emma is a 5-tool player, the total package with a strong arm and can hit for power or advance runners with timely hitting. On base, she will take the extra base given a chance, said Turtle, who enters his 32nd season at Sequoyah. “Laynie is a defensive hero with her speed in the outfield to take away opponents scoring chances and at the plate consistently finds the gap. She’s got an extra gear when on base that has put her within reach of 100 stolen bases in her career.”
A pair of juniors, Lacie Shomo (INF/OF) and Walelie Hummingbird (3B) return as 3-year starters along with Jos Munoz (P) who enters her second year in the circle. Sara Mouse (LF) enters her sophomore season with a proven power stick after hitting for a .400 average along with Emma Young (C), another sophomore that Turtle defines as a defensive wall behind the plate.
The Lady Indians are excited to see the results produced by a talented group of freshmen including infielders Preslie Daniels and Ashton Rector along with Kenzie Hix (UTL) who will see action in a variety of ways.
“I like the way this group gets after it. Offensively and defensively we’re solid,” said the veteran head coach. “If we can keep opponents off base will effective pitching, I think we have a chance to make it back to the state tournament.”
