MOULTRIE – Colquitt County fast-pitch softball coach Taylor Barber will get to see his first Lady Packers team in action on Monday when it plays host to Cook in a scrimmage at 5 p.m. at Packer Park.

The two teams will play again on Tuesday, Aug. 8, in Colquitt’s season-opener. That game, too, will be at 5 p.m. on Lady Packer Field.

Barber, a former Packer baseball player who was Tift County’s head softball coach the five previous seasons, was named to lead the fast-pitch team at his high school alma mater on June 24.

He replaces Chance Pitts, who stepped down after eight seasons as the program’s winningest coach.

“Everybody’s been so welcoming,” Barber said. “I’ve been so pleased. And our seniors have been great leaders. We’ve been getting better every day. It’s been awesome to see.”

The Colquitt girls were 20-12 and second in the region last season and will have to replace a pair of standouts in region Player of the Year Maris Hopper and shortstop Carli Pearson, who has signed to play collegiately at Winthrop.

But three All-Region players and starting catcher Lanie Burley do return.

RaJayla McBride is back for her senior season after being named to the All-Region first team last year.

An outstanding defensive outfielder, she also hit .381 with two doubles, a triple and 15 RBIs last season.

She will start in center field and will be the Lady Packers leadoff batter, again attempting to befuddle opposing defenses with her slap-hit approach.

Peyton Arrington, a second-team All-Region selection as a sophomore last season, started 14 games in the circle and went 8-5, leading the team in wins and strikeouts. She posted a 3.06. ERA.

Libby Wetherington, also a second-team All-Region pick last year, is back to hold down second base. She hit .381 in 2023 and also drove in 15 runs.

There are some other experienced players returning as well, including two other pitchers.

While Arrington led the Lady Packers in wins and  appearances last  year, Lilah Thompson went 7-3 with a 2.90 ERA as a freshman.

Kamry Paulk, who went 5-4 last season, also is back.

And Paulk, a junior, is penciled in as the starting shortstop.

“She’s a kid I’ve known for a long time,” Barber said. “She’s an awesome athlete. She’s been fantastic.”

When Paulk does pitch, freshman Allie Eure will get the starting nod at shortstop.

“She originally was going to be just a JV player and she still might play JV,” Barber said. “But she has become so valuable to us as a defensive player.

“She is a hard worker and a very smart, very savvy player.”

Burley caught 30 games for the Lady Packers as a sophomore last year and hit .305 with two doubles, a triple, a home run and 14 runs batted in.

She hit a home run in her first at bat in two scrimmages during the summer.

Barber is hoping to be able to use sophomore Rhylee Tillery, who is expected to start at first base, behind the plate as well to give Burley an occasional rest.

Thompson also can play first base and will split time with Arrington at third base.

Shyanne Harp will back up Wetherington at second base and also can play in the outfield.

Along with McBride, junior Rheygan Harrell, senior Montana Tatum, sophomore Gracie McKellar and senior Aziah McNeal are the outfielders.

Tatum is coming back from a knee injury she suffered last year.

McKellar showcased her outstanding speed last season.

“Unbelievable,” Barber said. “I don’t think I’ve seen speed like that.”

Barber said he is fortunate to have a staff filled with veterans, most of whom he was already familiar with from his previous Colquitt County stints.

“I couldn’t have come into a better situation,” Barbers said.

Rhonda Manley works with the infielders and Spenser Richardson will handle the pitching staff.

Will Stuckey will coach the catchers and coach third base.

Ryan Davis, also one of Barber’s closest friends, will work with the outfielders and coach first base.

With Stuckey and Davis on the bases, Barber will be able to remain in the dugout with the players and manage the game.

Colquitt will begin Region 1-6A play on Tuesday, Aug. 27, with a single game at home against Richmond Hill.

The Lady Packers will travel to Richmond Hill on Thursday, Aug. 29, for the teams’ region doubleheader.

Colquitt’s three-game series against defending region champion Lowndes will be held Sept. 24 and 26.

Barber will send his Lady Packers out for their region series against Tift County on Oct. 1.

Jen Walls, who was Barber’s pitching coach last season, is now the Lady Devils’ head coach.

The Colquitt County junior varsity team will open its season on Monday, Aug. 5, at Lowndes. It’s home-opener will be part of a doubleheader at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday Aug. 13, against Thomas County Central.

The junior varsity Lady Packers are Anna Lynn Armstrong, Ella Crawford, Ryleigh Webb, Caselynn Allen, Caroline Edison, Allie Eure, Ashlee Fields Karleigh Heard, Marley Kelley, Blakelee Lehman, Allyson O’Neal, Lucy Taunton, Hallie Thompson and Ryleigh Tillery.