The Griffin’s Middle School softball team finished their inaugural season unbeaten. “We are very proud of this team. We go from not being certain if we have enough interest to actually have enough play, to having a history making season,” says Head coach Joe Don Cooper. When Cooper and Assistant coach Eddie Blake opened try outs, they only had 12 young ladies interested in playing. Coach Cooper remarked “this team is an example that overall great attitudes and work ethic breeds success.”
Plagued with some injuries early on, the Griffins adjusted quickly and blended inexperience with veteran softball players. The coaches credit defense as a major factor for the success this season. The defense was led by 8th grade standout Pitcher Jordan Dunn, as she partnered with 7th grade catcher Charly Cooper to create a very formidable battery. Dunn only gave up an impressive 2 earned runs all season. Solid and consistent play by veteran 8th grade players Emily Faucette, Claire Yancey, and offensive powerhouse Logan Privette (led the team in batting average) coupled with the effort and attitude of the cast of support players: Jaci Crute, Cayton Seivert, Averi Seivert, Ahlori Long, Laci Oettinger, Hallie Boone, and Ashlyn Roberson made for an incredible first season in Middle School softball. Cooper stated “It’s really awesome to be a part of a team that when these girls look back 10 to 15 years from now when talking about Oxford Prep Softball, they can say ‘Hey, I was on the first ever middle school softball team there …and … We were undefeated!’”
The team finished 10 – 0 on the season and earned key victories against Falls Lake Academy and Vance Charter. Oxford Preparatory School will join the Central Carolina Middle School Conference, with local emerging rivals Falls Lake Academy and Vance Charter School.