Kierstyn Ray

@GovsSB Commit! Dyer County High School C/O 2027 | Fury Premier 2027 - Triple Threat/OF | [email protected]

[Kierstyn Ray @KRay2027]

I am so excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my athletic and academic career at @GovsSB! It has been a dream of mine to play Division I @NCAASoftball since I was a little girl!! First, I want to thank God for giving me the ability to play this amazing sport and providing me with this incredible opportunity. Next, I would like to thank my family for always supporting my dreams, believing in me no matter what, and taking me to all the tournaments and camps in hopes that this day would come. Finally, I’d like to thank all the coaches who have helped develop me into the player I am today, along with the Austin Peay coaching staff, @KassieD23, @daniii_liermann, @gabi_apiag and the rest of the staff who are believing in me and giving me the opportunity to keep playing the sport I love! I’m so excited for my future at Austin Peay!! Go Govs!!🎩❤️🥎 thank you @DarielShepherd for the awesome graphic!
@FuryPremier2027 @dyercosports
@FastpitchWire
@SSN_APSU @DiamondAddicts
@LineDsoftball @PrepSoftball
@ConnectSports_ @SoftbalAmerica

[Kierstyn Ray @KRay2027]

Had a great @FuryPremier2027 practice this past weekend! So happy to be back with my teammates and coaches! Ready for an amazing summer starting this weekend @PGFnetwork Show Me the Money in Newberry!!
@GovsSB @KassieD23 @gabi_apiag @PrepSoftball @MaxPreps @ExtraInningSB
@LineDsoftball @los_stuff

[MaxPreps @MaxPreps]

Keaton Mathis repeats as Arkansas Player of the Year after leading Valley View to another state championship. 🏆

One of the nation's top catchers, the senior hits .422 with 37 RBI while striking out just four times all season. 🔥

Full list of POY Winners ⬇️
https://t.co/zBY5kfLaeT

[Fury Premier 2027 Robinson @FuryPremier2027]

Thank you Wallace State for letting us use the field today and than you Mr. Greg for donating to our team! Next up…Newberry!

[Kierstyn Ray @KRay2027]

Thank you so much for the write up & recognition @PrepDigTN! @DyerCountyVB had a great season last year and I can’t wait for my upcoming senior year!

@Choctaws_Sports
@FuryPremier2027
@GovsSB

[Prep Dig Tennessee @PrepDigTN]

Five Returning Division 1, Class AA TVBCA All-Staters to See: Kierstyn Ray | Anarela Mejias Ayala | Abigail Prado | Kennedi Black | Tina Peterson https://t.co/672sHNLZGr

[Fury Premier 2027 Robinson @FuryPremier2027]

District champions for Kierstyn and Outfielder of the Year for her district. Congratulations Kierstyn!

[Austin Peay Softball @GovsSB]

The Govs allowed just a single run in a Music City doubleheader sweep of the Bisons to clinch a berth in the upcoming @ASUNSports Softball Championship! 🎩🥎

#Team41 | #LetsGoPeay
https://t.co/B94RGwlM0j

[Coach Tina @CoachTinaSB]

Types of Slaps!
Slappers are the queens of chaos — they have multiple ways to put the ball in play while exploding through the box toward first base. The most common variations are: Drag, Soft, Chop, Punch, and Power. And yes, great slappers can hit away with power too!

Here are the key points for each:

Drag:
A moving bunt where you push or drag the ball past the pitcher (usually toward the right side) while already running toward first.

Why use it?
➡️Puts immediate pressure on the corners and pitcher.
➡️Forces the infield to charge hard, creating rushed throws or mistakes.
➡️Gives elite speedsters the best chance to beat out the throw with almost no swing risk.

Soft Slap:
A controlled, light chopping swing with downward angle to create a slow roller or high, lazy bounce right in front of the plate.

Why use it?
➡️Places the ball in spots where defenders aren't (or forces them to charge from deep).
➡️Slows down the play just enough for your speed to beat out the throw.
➡️Neutralizes strong throwing arms.

Chop Slap:
An aggressive downward chop straight onto the top of the ball to produce a sharp, high, or erratic bounce.

Why use it?
➡️Creates unpredictable hops that are tough to field cleanly.
➡️Forces infielders to adjust their timing and footwork, often leading to errors.
➡️Slows the defense down while you're already gone.

Punch Slap:
A quick, compact "punching" motion with very little follow-through (often choked up) for short, direct contact.

Why use it?
➡️Excellent bat control to thread the ball through gaps or past the pitcher.
➡️Adds a little more pace than a soft slap while keeping placement precise.
➡️Great surprise option when the defense is out of position.

Power Slap:
The most aggressive version — a strong swing with body rotation while still moving through the box to drive the ball harder.

➡️Drives the ball into gaps or as a harder grounder/line drive.
➡️Punishes defenses that cheat in or shift for the bunt/slap.
➡️Forces the entire defense to play you honestly instead of sitting back.

When a slapper has all these tools in her arsenal, opponents never know what’s coming. The defense stays guessing, on their toes, and constantly out of position. Chaos created.

[Dyer County Choctaw Athletics @dyercosports]

Congratulations to Junior Kierstyn Ray! Kierstyn was named Jackson Sun Player of the Week for her performance on the field last week for Dyer County Softball. Congratulations Kierstyn! #TRIBE4LIFE

[Kierstyn Ray @KRay2027]

Thank you!! ☺️🧡🥎
@dyercosports @FuryPremier2027
@GovsSB

[Jackson Sun Preps @preps_sun]

Congratulations to @DCLadyChoctaws's @KRay2027 for being voted The Jackson Sun's girls athlete of the week with 51.5 percent of the vote, edging @softball_usj's @Timberla1Teagan (45.7%).
🥎🥎🥎🥎🥎
https://t.co/3xy9UxltM6

[Kierstyn Ray @KRay2027]

@preps_sun Thanks for the shoutout! But @DCLadyChoctaws 🧡not Dyersburg ☺️

[Kierstyn Ray @KRay2027]

@Topsiswear @FuryPremier2027 @GovsSB @KassieD23 @daniii_liermann @gabi_apiag @preps_sun @Coach__JP @PrepSoftball @MaxPreps @ExtraInningSB @LineDsoftball @los_stuff Thank you 😁

[Kierstyn Ray @KRay2027]

Decided to switch it up tonight and swing for power! Ended up going 3/4, with 2 homeruns, and 5 RBIs.
@FuryPremier2027 @GovsSB @KassieD23 @daniii_liermann @gabi_apiag @preps_sun @Coach__JP @PrepSoftball @MaxPreps @ExtraInningSB
@LineDsoftball @los_stuff @topsiswear

[Kierstyn Ray @KRay2027]

@ASUNSports @GovsSB @BisonBaseball @UNASoftball A

[Kierstyn Ray @KRay2027]

@Topsiswear @FuryPremier2027 @GovsSB @KassieD23 @daniii_liermann @gabi_apiag @preps_sun @Coach__JP Thank you 😁

[Kierstyn Ray @KRay2027]

First district win tonight! Our bats were hot with a team total of 18 hits and 24 runs! I had an in the park grandslam, 2 run RBI single, walk, hbp, and received the player of the game!
@FuryPremier2027 @GovsSB @KassieD23 @daniii_liermann @gabi_apiag @preps_sun @Coach__JP @PrepSoftball @MaxPreps @ExtraInningSB
@LineDsoftball @los_stuff

[Austin Peay Softball @GovsSB]

MIDWEEK DUB! 🎩🥎

#Team41 | #LetsGoPeay

[Kierstyn Ray @KRay2027]

Yes she is!!! Go BSF!!!
@FuryPremier2027 @Kayson_McClain

[Diamond Addicts @DiamondAddicts]

FAU commit Kayson McClain (2027) is the real deal

Absolutely hammered these pitches last night for doubles and then got shown “the #4” in her next AB😅

She is a tone-setter, full of energy

Owls have an excellent 2027 class and Kayson is one of the reasons why🦉
@Kayson_McClain

[Fury Premier 2027 Robinson @FuryPremier2027]

Strong players who work hard, did their part in the recruiting process, and developed themselves with the correct tools. 💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽

[Fury Premier 2027 Robinson @FuryPremier2027]

Hibachi for the win after the game (against each other).

[Mike Licari @PresidentLicari]

Another one! 10 in a row and a shutout win for @GovsSB!

Let’s Go Peay!