The Demopolis softball team may have seen its fair share of struggles at the plate lately, but Tuesday’s tournament at Wetumpka helped the squad to place at least one important piece to its offensive puzzle.

Junior Jordon Cramer made her debut in the leadoff spot of lineup for the Tigers, finding her way on base and catching her coaches’ attention as she did.  Cramer, regarded largely for her power potential and run production as a junior varsity player in 2008, was asked by DHS coaches to change her philosophy when she took on the role. Tuesday in the Wetumpka tournament, Cramer embraced the opportunity to set the table for her teammates.

“She’s never played leadoff for us,” assistant coach Kyle Williams said. “She stepped up and hit as good of leadoff as we’ve had all year.”

Cramer’s personal highlight reel saw her go 1-for-2 in her leadoff debut against Russell County. One game later, Cramer put together a 1-for-3 effort with two stolen bases against Holtville.

When Demopolis challenged the hosting Indians, Cramer walked, stole a base and scored the only run of the game.

“Jordon had a rough time earlier in the season being sick and has come back strong for us,” Demopolis head coach Joey Browder said. “She is putting the bat on the ball and is doing her best to pick us up.” Should her productivity at the top of the lineup continue, Cramer and sophomore Samantha Walker promise to for a potent combination in the top two slots of the DHS order. The tandem’s speed and alert base running create continual problems for opposing defenses while giving a struggling Tiger offense a much-needed shot in the arm.