THOMASVILLE — Yellow Jackets were scattered across the field Wednesday for practice, shagging fly balls and throwing down to second with shirts that read “We go the extra mile … Because it’s less crowded.”

Thomas County Central’s softball team made it into less-crowded territory last season as Region 1-AAAAA runner-ups, but would rather have the championship title they earned in 2012 back.

Central returns two seniors and they play key spots. Erika Greek will again take the mound for the Yellow Jackets.

“She throws hard, throws a good changeup and has very good control of the game,” coach Robyn Trammell said. “She can kind of work in and out. And she’s just very dominating.”

Emily Corbitt is back, but will move from third base to shortstop.

“We’re very excited to see what kind of senior season she’s going to have,” Trammell said.

Corbitt is making the move over because of her talent in the field.

The seniors will lead two fellow returning starters and a relatively younger team.

“They’re both very good leaders,” Trammell said of the two seniors.

The Yellow Jackets spent a core part of Wednesday’s practice working on bunting, slap hitting and base running. The tying thread was communication. Trammell encouraged the girls to be heard when they call the ball and to make sure everyone on the field knew what the batter was looking to do.

Jamilah Johnson was putting her hits in perfect positions to get on base and her quickness proved deadly on the base paths. Trammell said Johnson will be the team’s lead-off hitter.

Fellow outfielder Victoria Parker is also one of Central’s faster and more aggressive runners.

The Yellow Jackets’ season starts today with an non-conference away game at Lee.

“I think we’ll have a strong showing,” Trammell said. “I think we’re ready to play, we’ve had a lot of practice. We’re definitely ready to play.”

Key to making it through, as Trammelll said in practice, is if the Yellow Jackets can work as a team and fix the mistakes rather than blame. When you lose the same way twice, it’s unlikely you’ll make it to that less-crowded top.

Central’s varsity schedule

Aug. 14 at Lee

Aug. 15-16 Georgia Dugout Club Tournament

Aug. 21 at Worth

Aug. 22-23 at Buccaner bash at Woodland High School/Cherokee High School

Aug. 26 vs. Westover (region)

Aug. 28 at Americus Sumter

Sept. 2 at Colquitt

Sept. 4 vs. Dougherty (region)

Sept. 9 at Bainbridge (region)

Sept. 11 vs. Monroe (region)

Sept. 12-13 Greenbrier Tournament at Patriots Park/Greenbrier High School

Sept. 16 vs. Cook (region)

Sept. 23 vs. Crisp

Sept. 25 at Albany

Sept. 30 at Cairo (region)

Oct. 6-10 Playoffs