AWT SOFTBALL: Walker's batting helped lead South Gibson to top 6

The South Gibson softball team has been on the rise the past couple seasons, and junior Aly Walker has played a big part of that with her consistency at the plate.

The Lady Hornets had never made it out of the district tournament in the short history of the program, but this year Walker, along with others, led South Gibson to the District 13-AA championship and a berth in the Class AA state tournament.

Walker batted .517 along the way to be named The Jackson Sun's 2015 Softball Hitter of the Year. She also won the award in 2014.

"As a team, we felt like we could accomplish the things that Dyersburg and Lexington accomplished the past two seasons," Walker said. "This year I felt like we played for each other instead of as individuals. We were a close knit group last year, and we didn't have any seniors. That resulted with us playing closer, and that was important on and off the field."

Added to her batting average, Walker had 10 doubles, three triples and eight home runs to go along with 26 RBI and 39 runs scored.

The turning point in the season came when South Gibson beat defending Class AA champion Dyersburg.

"We beat them by one run at home and lost to them by one run there, so we knew that we could do it," Walker said. "The win was just the extra push that we needed."

Opposing teams struggled to try and pitch around Walker because Kaitlyn Martin, who batted .444, was right behind her.

"It was great having a batter like Kaitlyn right behind me," Walker said. "I was in the 2 spot, and she was in the 3 spot. But there were other batters like Ashten Petty and Taylor Benton that I had confidence in to get me around."

Walker kept her batting average above .500 for a second straight season, and that is no easy task with pitchers knowing the power in her bat.

"You always have to be conscious of the team and the pitches they might throw," she said. "Some of the bigger teams tried to pitch around me and Kaitlyn, but I had confidence in my teammates."

Getting to state wasn't enough for the Lady Hornets, as they picked up a win to finish in the top six. The goals for next year are even higher.

"We were happy that we made it, but our next goal was not to be two-and-done and compete in the state tournament," Walker said. "Top six was an honor.

"Next year is senior year and we want to do it again. We want that ring."

Walker is committed to UT Chattanooga.

Michael Odom, 425-9754