Lady Cats not taking anything for granted

By Justin Graves
jgraves@cullmantimes.com

May 05, 2008 11:57 pm

— Cullman High’s softball team may be opening the postseason at home, but Lady Bearcats coach Marc Ponder knows his team can’t afford to take anyone lightly.
With Cullman (42-14) hosting Erwin in a best-of-three sub-state series today at 3:30 p.m., Ponder had a heart-to-heart talk with his players after Monday’s practice.
“It’s just like I told the girls after practice, we’re taking a one-game approach from here on out,” Ponder said. “Yes, this is a best-of-three series. But we also don’t want to fall behind.”
Despite having only three seniors on the team, Cullman has been one of the hottest softball teams in Class 5A during the second half of the season.
Since falling to 20-10 midway through the season, sixth-ranked Cullman went on a tear — winning 22 of its last 26 games.
The Lady Bearcats closed out the regular season on a high note, pulling off back-to-back upsets over fourth-ranked Hartselle in the Area 13 tournament.
Now that the regular season is over, the Lady Bearcats are ready to take a shot at their overall goal: Reaching the state tournament.
“That’s the team’s goal,” Ponder said. “After playing in some tough tournaments this year, I believe the players are prepared for the postseason.”