The softball season is swinging back into action this year with more rigorous and focused practices and a strong and dedicated team.

Tryouts for the girl’s softball team were March 5-7, with the head coach, Nyle Monosmith, timing half-mile and mile runs, and conducting throwing, catching, and fielding drills. 

Softball is in season and this year’s girls are more determined to win some games. Last year, the varsity girls went 3-15 last year, winning against teams from CD East, Red Lion, and Cedar Cliff. 

Senior and varsity player Ashley Smith, who plays infield positions, said, “I’m looking forward to the team chemistry and the games because I think we’re going to surprise some people. We didn’t really win that many games last year.”

With the weather fluctuating and sending unexpected snow and rain storms, the girls were unable to play their first scrimmage on March 16, the scrimmage on the March 20, or their first game on March 23  against CD East, but that does not stop their hustle or preparation for the next scheduled game. The girls have practice every day after school either outside if the weather permits, or in the Swartz or McGowan gyms when they are available.

Saturdays are also opened in the girls’ schedules for practices. Though the JV and varsity girls practice separately, their performance focuses are the same: get hits, play smart, and handle the ball well.

“As a team captain, you have to be a leader,” JV team captain and junior, Paige Tollett said.

This year’s Varsity team is stacked with talented freshmen, like Rachel Bell and Kiley Barnhart, who will soon take the place of the upperclassmen in the next few years or become captains themselves, but they are also there to support the team, as the other girls are.

“Incorporating some of the younger girls more often this year might help us out because we don’t really know each other yet, but I feel we will get really close,” varsity team captain and junior Brinley Foreman said.

The girls’ next game is Saturday, March 31, 12 pm at Waynesboro.