The summer heat is in full swing, but that won’t keep the 2010 version of the Bryan County Lady ‘Skins regular season from cranking up Wednesday, when Bryan County plays host to Ware County at 4:30 p.m. in Pembroke.  
The Lady ‘Skins will be looking to improve on their successful 28-10 record of 2009 and are hoping for a return trip to the State playoffs.
Head coach Al Butler has good reason for optimism as he prepares his 2010 squad for this year’s softball competition.  
“We return nine players who shared a significant amount of playing time during the 2009 season, and we were a young team last year with only two juniors, six sophomores and one freshman,” Butler said. “That will bring us into this year with a lot of experience.”
Last season’s team captain Samantha Howard was lost to graduation. But Tiffany Howard, Region 3A Player of the Year, Savannah Morning News Softball Player of the Year, All-Region 1st team, All-State 1st team and BCHS Most Valuable Player, will return, along with All Region 1st team third-baseman Bridget Bacon.
And while there is a strong supporting cast, these two girls will be relied upon heavily to lead the Lady ‘Skins on their quest for a state title.
Two of the four teams from this region made their way to the Elite 8 in Columbus in 2009, and the region appears to be loaded with talented teams in 2010.
“This team has spent the off-season preparing for another chance to play for a state title,” Butler said.
“The upcoming season will be one of high expectations and numerous challenges. With the new region alignment and the addition of several top notch tournaments, the team will have to be prepared both mentally and physically in order to mirror last year’s success.”