NATCHEZ — Veteran Adams County Christian School softball players believe the Lady Rebels’ versatility will set the table for a successful season this fall.

With players that can virtually play anywhere head coach Rick Fife asks them to, defense in the field is viewed as the strength of the team.

“I have some girls that can play any position 1-9,” Fife said. “Brianna Henson can play short, catcher, pitch or wherever. Anna McDaniel can play second base or fill in at shortstop for Henson when she’s pitching. Our third baseman Jordan Petty can catch if need be. We’re just a versatile group.”

The first order of business this summer has been to get the ACCS Lady Rebels pitching in shape. Losing top pitcher Brooke Runnels to graduation has left a void Fife is hoping Ashleigh Williams can fill. And Fife’s making sure multiple Lady Rebels’ arms are ready to contribute, as well.

“(Brooke) obviously gave us a lot of innings last year,” Fife said. “Brianna Henson and a few more have come on for us. We’re steadily practicing, but Ashleigh is going to have to show a lot of leadership and get after it on the mound this year.”

As a senior, Williams has put in the work to be game shape ready. Stepping into a veteran role on the team, Williams is hoping her passion for the game will carry over to the younger members of the team.

“Softball has always been my life, so I want these girls to play with their whole heart,” Williams said. “I’ve always wanted to go and win a state championship in softball, and for the team to give 110 percent is all I’m asking for.”

Fellow senior Petty said both her and Williams have gone out of their way to learn about the newest members and develop chemistry with them, making the Lady Rebels feel like a family.

“Having a close relationship with the underclassmen makes it a lot easier to have a close team,” Petty said. “Like when we try to help one of the younger girls, they’ll listen, and they don’t think we’re yelling at them. It just makes things easier. We’re trying to be a family on the field.”

While Petty and Williams will carry the leadership torch, they’ll also carry the heavy bats in the middle of the lineup. Last season, Williams tallied a .365 batting average with seven home runs and 32 RBIs, while Petty amassed a .339 batting average.

Fife said small ball would be ACCS’ key strategy, hoping to produce runners on base for Williams and Petty to drive in.

“We have to surround Jordan and Ashleigh with some sticks,” Fife said. “If we can get some solid pitching and solid defense, I feel like we can score some runs and win some ballgames.”

With one year left of eligibility, Williams is hoping to end her high school career with a season to remember.

“It’s really weighing on me heavy, knowing I’ve only got so many games left,” Williams said. “To know I only have a few games left and no colleges have yet to reach out to me, it lights a fire under me. I want to have a good season with these girls.”