Lady Warriors’ Loyd leads All-Cherokee County softball selections

Cherokee County High School senior pitcher Alana Loyd delivers to an Etowah batter during the Class 4A East Central Regional in Montgomery last month. Photo by Shannon Fagan.

Cherokee County High School softball coach Brad Weaver says senior pitcher/first baseman/outfielder Alana Loyd is usually the first player to arrive for practice and the last one to leave. She’s always asking her coaches to hit her one more ball or let her have one more at-bat.

Players leading by example are the ones every team needs, and Loyd has served the Lady Warriors well throughout her softball career.

As a senior this season, Loyd went 22-6 with eight saves, 179 strikeouts and a 1.69 ERA in the circle, and she was also one of the Lady Warriors’ clutch hitters. She batted .393 in helping them earn their first county tournament title since 2014 and reach the Class 4A East Central Regional in Montgomery.

The Cherokee County softball coaches recently selected Loyd as their All-Cherokee County Softball Most Valuable Player.

The Shorter University signee said she’s surprised and grateful for the honor. She credits her teammates and coaches for helping her earn it.

“What makes you love pitching so much is having a good team behind you. If you miss your spot and it’s a playable ball, it’s going to be an out,” Loyd said. “Our team will come in and hit too if they score some runs off you.”

Loyd said she’s learned a thing or two from Weaver and the Lady Warrior assistant coaches, many of whom are former Cherokee County High School players themselves.

“I love all of our coaches. I think they helped us so much this year,” Loyd said. “They taught me a lot that I’ll definitely take with me. They just know what it’s like to be here and what it takes to get to the next level and to win.”

Weaver said the Lady Warriors are a better team because of Loyd’s dedication, work ethic, and love for her team.

“Her passion for softball is infectious and admirable,” he said. “She is never satisfied with average and strives to always be great. Her effort matches her desire. She always wants to be the best at anything she does and she’s always willing to put in the work it takes to do so.”

Joining Loyd from the Lady Warriors (22-18) on the all-county team is shortstop McKinley Rouss, utility player Abby Lea, catcher/third baseman Lanie Williams and outfielder Carson Coley.

Sand Rock (34-22-1) earned four selections in pitcher Jadyn Foster, shortstop Katelyn St. Clair, third baseman Maggie Tinsley and outfielder Maggie Hester.

Spring Garden (26-12) had three selections in pitcher Abbey Steward, shortstop Neely Welsh and first baseman Madison Brown.

Cedar Bluff (13-26-1) is represented by pitcher/first baseman Jordyn Walker, shortstop Mattie Payne and pitcher/first baseman Reece Patterson.

Pitcher Malaya Shireman and outfielder Sierra Holbrook were chosen from Gaylesville.

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