Lady Tigers want a return to state finals

For the Enquirer

Coach: Anna Hanners (second year at Hartselle)

Marquee games (nonarea): Hewitt-Trussville, Thompson, Grissom at Toyota Field, Sparkman Area: Class 6A Area 15

Area opponents: Athens, Decatur, Muscle Shoals

2024 record/finish: 38-15-1, lost in state championship series

Returning starters: Brit Godfrey, Katie Gillott, Katie Norgard, Ryley Cate Wolf, Morgan Osborne

Newcomers: Kaelin Perdue, Hatsumi Peterson

College Signees: Godfrey – Auburn, Osborn – Motlow State, Gillott – UNA

College Commits: Norgard – Georgia Tech, Wolf – UNA, Bailey Lawrence – Gadsden State

Storylines: How do the Lady Tigers replace the pitching of Blayne Godfrey? Who becomes the leader of the defense and follows in Kaelyn Jones’ footsteps? Can the Lady Tigers find production at the top of the lineup?

What do the Tigers need to do to be successful? The Lady Tigers need to maintain their strong work ethic off the field. On the field, they need to play well defensively and take every opportunity given on offense.

Area outlook: The area will be challenging with defending state champ Athens joining. Muscle Shoals is a talented team and Decatur is a team who is trending in the right direction.