It was a dream 1st season as Lexington High School softball coach Laurie Epps.

For the 1st time in 18 years, the Lady Wildcats were crowned state champions. Down 0-1 in the Best-of-3 series to J.F. Byrnes, they won the final 2 games at home and at Northwestern High School to claim the Class 5A title.

Epps enters Year 2 with a more seasoned, tested group that’s capable of once again reaching the top.

“The biggest difference this year is the girls know the program’s expectations,” Epps said. “They know that we have established a culture of winning. Hard work, hussle, heart and humility are the cornerstone of our season this year.”

Lexington and Epps have quickly realized what it’s like to be the `hunted’. The Lady Wildcats went 2-1 at their Varsity Blues Invitational.

The lone loss came at the hands of nemesis White Knoll - the team it succeeded as state champion and against whom it opened Region 5-5A play Tuesday at home. The 3-time defending region champion Lady Timberwolves entered the contest having won the last 8 meetings against the Lady Wildcats dating back to the 2016 season.

“The girls know that the bull’s eye will be on us this yea; but we also know that we have to take things one pitch at a time and focus on the things we can control,” Epps said.

Gone are impact players like Lexington Chronicle Softball Player and Female Athlete of the Year Hannah Kumiyama. She’s currently a contributing freshman on the University of South Carolina softball team.

Still in place is a championship nucleus led by pitcher Allie Light, who’s headed to the University of Arkansas, pitcher/catcher Sarah Gordon, infielders Jessica Senn, Saige Stanley (who’s signed with Belmont Abby), Ashley Causey, Skylar Logsdon and Alyssa McGraw and outfielder Peri Rouillard.

“Hannah was an impactful player, but we have a core group of girls that collectively will step up and be successful this season,” Epps said. “We are focusing on being one unit this year.”

Along with region play, the Lady Wildcats will participate in the Fort Dorchester Invitational set for April 17-18 in North Charleston. Regardless of the opponent, Epps expects her team to get tested “every time” they step on the field.

“We know teams are going to give us their best game,” she said. “We look forward to the challenge and playing Lexington softball.”

WHITE KNOLL’S ALEXIS WINTERS IS HONORED

White Knoll infielder Alexis Winters was named the MaxPreps/NFCA National High School South Region Player of the Week. Winters went 6-8 with 4 home runs, 8 RBI and 7 runs in 3 games against Lugoff-Elgin, West Ashley and Lexington.