Sophomore Brooke Smith plays catch on the softball team, fields ground balls, and hits in the cages to stay prepared for upcoming games. The team has played four scrimmages, including two from a tournament. The first regular season game was set to be played on Feb. 12, but was cancelled because of bad weather conditions. They finished the rest of the tournament by going 2-0-1.
“We’ve really worked hard during the off-season to be ready for this year,” Smith said. “We all have a better work ethic this year.”
With the disappointment and shock of their sudden departure from the playoffs last year, the team looks to recuperate and reclaim first place in the district. Moving down to 4A could be a good way to start fresh and begin the new season. This is the last year for eight seniors to play, so they play with a sense of urgency to perform well on the field.
“I feel like the seniors are my sisters, and I want them to win,” Smith said.
The hard work that the girls put in could pay off later in the season and in playoff contention. Working out every day becomes a priority when they think about having a shot at going to state.
“We want a state ring and our goal is to make it there,” Sophomore Alyssa Wawrzynski said. “Both JV and varsity are working their butts off to make the team the way it is.”
This year will mark their first season in a lower class, and they hope to succeed having a little less pressure. The team will play Red Oak in their next scheduled regular season game on March 12.
“I can’t wait to start playing,” Wawrzynski said. “The competition won’t be easy, but this is what we’ve been waiting for.”
