The Varsity Softball team won their game against Lakeridge on March 4, bringing the current standings to a mighty 12-2 record. Each victory brings them closer to the goal of making it to Austin for the chance to win state.
Last year the team made it to the regional finals, but failed to advance to the state playoffs. This year, head coach Michelle Mayfield plans to improve in areas such as defense to make it to Austin to compete and, hopefully, win state.
“I don’t just want the girls to make it to Austin,” coach Mayfield said. “I want them to win the gold medal and be the number one team in the state for 4A, I think that we have the ability to do so.”
After being surrounded by softball for much of her life, senior Kendall Potts feels as though winning state this year will be the best way to end her high school career.
“I have high hopes for this season. If we make sure we don’t make any mental mistakes, I think we can get to state,” Potts said. “Stupid mistakes are the most common, but they’re also easy to fix.”
Freshman Shelby Owens pitches and plays first base on the team. Like Potts, Owens has high hopes for this season as well.
“If we keep playing hard and doing things right, I think we’ll go far,” Owens said. “I think we have a really good chance this year.”
Coach Mayfield believes that the team’s strong point this season lies in their offense. For that reason, the girls work on scoring runs, strengthening their defense and running the bases during practice each day.
“We set very high standards for the kids in this program and they all meet those expectations,” Mayfield said. “I feel like they’re my daughters. I really enjoy being around them.”
Coach Mayfield takes pride in the determination and work ethic that the team possesses. She also feels like the group of girls on the varsity team this year have experience under their belts that will give them the upper hand when competing.
“We’re learning with every game and getting better and better as we go through the season,” coach Mayfield said. “I think we have a good shot.”
