Coach Chris Bryant has a definite plan for his Bainbridge High School Lady Cats softball team entering Tuesday’s opening round of the Region 1-AAAA Tournament at Gordon Park in Albany.

“One thing that we really worked on in practice in preparation for the tournament was our small ball skills,” Bryant said. “Like bunting, covering bases to take throws on steal attempts, fielding bunts in front of the plate and firing to first, and making all the routine catches and throws.”

Bryant said in order for his team to improve, they have got to cut down on errors and continue to pitch strong like they have with pitcher Riley Fletcher. The Lady Cats have gone 17-5 and ended the regular season with a Region 1-AAAA victory over the Westover High School Lady Patriots Tuesday, Sept. 29, at the Lady Cats Diamond.

“One real positive is that we are hitting the ball really well,” Bryant said. “Against Westover third baseman Bailey Rayfield had a big two run double and catcher Morgan Cannon drove her in with a double.”

Other clutch hitters have included left fielder Taylor Swanner, right fielder Mabry-Grace Briggs, first baseman Tori Sprenkle  Mckynleigh Harrell, center fielder Haley Thompson, shortstop Desirae Beach and second baseman Shelbie Summerlin.

“We need to just relax and let the game come to us,” Bryant said.

A victory over the Syrupmaids would have sent the Lady Cats into a 7:30 p.m. game against the winner of the 5:30 p.m. game between the Thomas County Central High School Lady Yellow Jackets and Albany’s Monroe High School Lady Tornadoes.

The top four finishers in the Region 1AAAA Tournament will advance to the State Class AAAA Tournament Oct. 29-31 in Columbus.

The Lady Cats, who entered the tournament as the fifth seed with a 6-4 Region 1-AAAA record, took on the fourth seeded Cairo High School Syrupmaids Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.