Gore Lady Pirates

Coach: Dusty Tidwell

2020 Record:  23-11

The Lady Pirates set sail into uncharted waters as Gore will move up to compete among the teams in Class 2A fastpitch softball including a schedule filled with state tournament qualifying teams including Dale, Mounds, Stroud, Warner, Preston and Porter.

“We barely made the leap to 2A,” winked head coach Dusty Tidwell. “By the slimmest of margins, we’re the smallest school in our class but we’re going to go compete.”

The 2021 roster welcomes the return of four starters including senior Ralea Brooksher, a four-year starter who controls the game whether she’s behind the plate at catcher or on the infield at shortstop.

“Ralea is the total package, said Tidwell. “She hit over .600 last fall, stole 30 bases and had 62 RBI.”

Another senior, Harley Welch will be in her third season at third base where according to the Pirate skipper, she is a defensive specialist that consistently makes the big play in addition to hitting for power. 

In the circle, the Pirates have a proven performer with Honey McAlester who won 16 games last season. A fourth starter, Cadi Shoemake will return in the outfield after starting every game as a freshman last year. 

“She hit mid-400s from the leadoff spot as freshman and defensively will make a lot of plays others won’t,” said Tidwell.

A pair of freshmen will askills to the lineup as Kendra Huckaby will defend the middle infield at second base while Kayden Kirkpatrick adds a high level softball IQ while playing in the infield, catcher or picking up innings in the pitcher’s circle. Tidwell is also expecting pop at the plate from sophomore Ella Murphy who will see time in a variety of defensive positions.

“Losing five talented seniors forced our hand during the offseason. I’m thrilled to see that this year’s lineup has discovered their drive to succeed,” Tidwell explained.