Beech Tree News Network

MORGANTOWN - The Butler County softball team is preparing to open its 2018 season on the road at Breckinridge County on Monday, March 19. Weather permitting, Monday's game will serve as a season opener for each Third Region softball team.

Butler County is under the direction of veteran head coach John Embry. The Bears ended the 2017 season at the .500 mark, finishing 16-16. Butler County finished runner-up to Grayson County in the 12th District and made an appearance in the Third Region Softball Tournament. The Bears' 2017 season ended following a loss to Daviess County in the opening round of the region tournament.

Breckinridge County is under the guidance of head coach first-year head coach Brad Hockenberry. A newcomer to the Breckinridge County softball post, Hockenberry replaced Courtney McHolan Burnett at the helm of the Breckinridge County program. Under Burnett's tutelage, Breckinridge County finished 18-13 in 2017. The Lady Tigers' 2017 season ended with a loss to Meade County in the opening round of the 11th District Tournament. 

Familiar foes, Butler County and Breckinridge County are longtime rivals. The two rivals met once last season with Butler County prevailing 9-2 in a game played on May 11, 2017.

Butler County is a member of the 12th District, along with Grayson County, Edmonson County and Whitesville Trinity. 

The Bears are slated to host Breckinridge County for a mid-season matchup on April 27. 

In addition to Breckinridge County, Butler County has regular-season games scheduled versus Todd County Central, Daviess County, Grayson County, Ohio County, Whitesville Trinity, McLean County, Russellville, Edmonson County, Caverna, Meade County, Muhlenberg County, Logan County, Owensboro, Franklin-Simpson, Apollo, Hopkins County Central, North Hardin, Calloway County and Hancock County. The Bears are due to visit Hancock County for a regular season finale on May 19. 

 

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Bears ranked 10th in preseason region poll

 

MORGANTOWN - Butler County is ranked 10th in the Kentucky Softball Coaches Association Preseason Third Region Poll. 

Owensboro Catholic is the longtime powerhouse in the Third Region but isn't favorite to win the 2018 title. Heading into the 2018 season, Apollo is the clearcut favorite to dethrone the Lady Aces. Daviess County is a close second behind the E-Gals in the Third Region poll. 

A trio of E-Gals occupy the first three slots in the preseason region player rankings. Butler County standout Hannah Chaney was among the players receiving votes for the Top 10. Chaney is a sophomore outfielder/catcher for the Bears.

Butler County is slated to open its 2018 season on the road at Breckinridge County on March 19. The Lady Bears are scheduled to host Todd County Central for a home opener on March 20. Butler County competes in the 12th District. 

The preseason Third Region softball rankings follow.

Kentucky Softball Coaches Association Preseason Third Region Top 10: 1. Apollo; 2. Daviess County; 3. Owensboro Catholic;

4. Hancock County; 5. Meade County; 6. Muhlenberg County; 7. Ohio County; 8. Grayson County; 9. McLean County; 10. Butler County. Others receiving votes: Whitesville Trinity.

Kentucky Softball Coaches Association Preseason Third Region Top 10 Players: 1. Payton Blades, Apollo; 2. Haley John, Apollo; 3. Hayden Pulliam, Apollo; 4. Maci Simmons, Daviess County; 5. Brooke Brown, Apollo; 6. Isabella Henning, Owensboro Catholic; 7. Haley Carter, Owensboro Catholic; 8. Erika Lambert, Ohio County; 9. Claire Westerfield, Hancock County; 10. Carson Flynn, Owensboro Catholic. Others receiving votes: Paige Taylor, Hancock County; Hannah Chaney, Butler County; Mackenzie Roberts, Hancock County; Avery Morris, Hancock County; Lauren Sutton, Meade County, Alyssa Brewer, Muhlenberg County.