What an incredible run under Carissa Owenby for year one. Union County smashed its way to a region title and trip to Columbus in a 20-win campaign. With tons of returning key players, it’s easy to see this Lady Panthers team taking the next step, and the expectations are higher than ever.

Head Coach: Carissa Owenby, 2nd season
2022 Record: 20-8; Elite 8; Region Champions, #7 State Ranking

“Our expectation is to be the best we can be,” says Owenby. “This is our year. We need to make the most of it. Columbus 3 years in a row, and region champs back to back are our goals. We are already working very hard to achieve these goals.”

Personnel

Returning Starters: 6

Key Departures: Jaycee Seabolt, Chloe Potts, Caroline Karnes

“Seabolt was a huge role model and one of the best bats on our team,” says Owenby. Potts (2B) was a good hitter and leader, and Karnes (LF) was a great leader and role model.”

Key Returning Players: P Sierra Burnette, SS Georgia Patton, C Gracie Gladding, CF Katie Byers, RF Jewell Massey, 1B Slone Dyer

Sierra Burnette is the reigning Pitcher of the Year for 8-AA, and SS Georgia Patton, 1st Team All-Region catcher Gracie Gladding, outfielders Katie Byers and Jewell Massey, and first baseman (third last year) Slone Dyer are going to be relied on heavily. Owenby also says incoming freshman Izzy Anthros (P/OF) is one to expect big things from.

Strengths

Strengths: “Leadership,” says Owenby. “We have 6 seniors this year. And experience – we have a lot of experience under pressure and in the state tournament.”

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