Hanahan softball seeks to extend regular season success into the playoffs

The Hanahan High School softball team had another stellar regular season, posting a 21-2 record. That gives the Hawks a 44-9 regular-season record the past two springs.

But when the Hawks begin the Class AAA playoffs, the record goes out the window as the Hawks begin a whole new season.

“Everyone is 0-0 once the playoffs begin,” fifth-year coach Katrine Moffett said. “Our 21-2 record doesn’t matter. Anything can – and usually – happens. You have to be prepared and focused. It takes a lot of talent to win a state championship. It also takes a lot of hard work and determination.”

The Hawks reached the Lower State championship last May, falling to Hartsville. While the agony of defeat hurt last year, the experience should help this spring.

The Hawks are experienced in all categories as all but two starters from last year’s team returned. The team has pitching, hitting and plays defense well. If there is one question about this year’s team, it might be that the Hawks really haven’t been challenged this spring. They have outscored foes 169-23.

The Hawks have responded when challenged. The Hawks and Berkeley were locked in a tie in a recent Region 8-AAA showdown, but the Hawks broke it open with a 7-run inning to claim the victory.

A big part of the Hawks’ success is because of great pitching, Moffett said. Junior pitcher MacKenzie Dyson owns a 14-0 record and has an ERA under 1.00. Sophomore Drayton Siegling has been effective as well.

“We haven’t been consistent when it comes to hitting,” Moffett said. “Because of the pitching, we know if we can scored three or four runs and play great defense, we have a chance every game.”

Dyson is one of four starters who are batting over .400. Junior first baseman Kendall Grubb freshman catcher Jordan Fabian and leftfielder Baylee Westbury all are batting over .400. Westbury is the only senior starter.

“This is the first time I’ve had a team that has a .400 batting average,” Moffett said. “The girls put in the work. They do the drills, and listen to what you say. That’s a good combination. We’ve been fairly consistent so far, but we’re always working hard to be more consistent at the plate throughout the lineup.”

Moffett’s squad will be one of the favorites to play in this spring’s state championship. Moffett said some of the biggest challenges in the Lower State will come from Hartsville, Gilbert and Berkeley, a team the Hawks beat two times in the regular season.

Friday, the playoff test begins.

“We’re more mature this year,” Moffett said. “We’re more experienced and we have a better knowledge of what we need to do to be successful. Hopefully, this year we’ll get past the point we reached last year. We need to get over that hump.”

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