Flashes' softball making noise in Region 8-A

When Ryan Poston took over the Johnsonville softball program five years ago, 68 girls showed interest in joining the team.

After a tough offseason training regimen that was designed to test their commitment, only 12 made it to tryouts.

“It was a weeding-out process,” Poston said. “We established that it takes dedication and we have certain expectations that if you can’t commit or live up to, we’ll find someone who will.”

Part of the reasoning was the Flashes’ region. Since 2002, the Class A lower state champion has been either Latta or Lake View, two of the teams in Region 8-A.

“We’re working to be a team that wins championships,” Poston said. “We have not accomplished the things that Lake View and Latta have, but we’d like to. We’re working to get to that point.”

That point could come tonight against Lake View.

With both teams 4-1 in region play, the Flashes have an opportunity to put themselves in the driver’s seat for the region title if they can defeat the Wild Gators.
“We beat (Lake View) 4-0 last year and that was really exciting,” senior Taylor Prosser said. “That was the first time we’d beaten them that I can remember.”

“I think beating Lake View and Latta last year and the success we had kind of came as a surprise to them,” Poston said. “Now I think it’s something they expect.”

The originals

Two of Johnsonville’s key players — Prosser and Rachel Gaster — have been with Poston from the beginning.

Both earned all-state honors last season and rank as the team’s top two hitters this year.

“It’s been a journey,” Gaster said of her five years with Poston. “We’ve worked really hard to get to this point and we’ve come a long way since then. We have good chemistry on this team since we’ve been playing together for so long.”

Gaster leads the team with a .472 batting average, 13 RBI and an .806 slugging percentage.

Gaster has also carried the load as the Flashes’ top pitcher. She is 5-2 with a 1.07 earned run average and has 50 strikeouts in 46 innings.

“Being the pitcher, a lot of the game depends on you and where you’re able to put the ball,” Gaster said. “It’s a lot of pressure, but I enjoy it. I wouldn’t want anyone else to be out there but me.”

Prosser has been a steady force at first base and at the plate. She’s batting .436 with five doubles and 11 RBI, and has committed no errors this season.

Prosser is also two hits away from becoming the first player under Poston to reach the 100 career hits.

“We’ve all put in a lot of time in the summer and at practice to get to where we are,” Prosser said. “We’ve got a lot of talent on this team and it’s not just at a few positions either.”

Pieces to the puzzle

As a team, the Flashes are hitting .385.

“This is the best hitting team I’ve had since I’ve been here,” Poston said. “In our last 10 games, I want to say we’ve had double-digit hits in all of them.”

Catcher Taylor Bennett and Deanna Davis are each batting .400 or better, giving the Flashes four players above that mark.

Rachel Cribb, Chloe Hinson and Katelyn Hanna are also above the .300 mark.

“Top to bottom, our lineup can hit,” Prosser said. “We do a lot of work on hitting every day and it’s really come through this season.”

Ashlyn Cribb has also stepped in as a strong No. 2 starter. In 26 innings, she has a 1.88 ERA.

Staying competitive

No matter what happens, Poston said his team has already exceeded expectations.

“I always had a five-year window of when I thought this team could really make some noise,” Poston said. “We’ve got some good players, and we’ve had other kids from the JV team come in and step right into the program.

“That’s how the other teams have stayed on top, and that’s what we’re hoping to do.”