Trotter softball swings away

PLAINS – Despite the biting wind of winter’s end, girls laced up their cleats and donned their catcher’s mitts for softball practice. They threw and ran, slid and batted, all in preparation for the first game of the season.

Head Coach David Thompson thinks the Trotters have done well in their first week of practice. He is pleased to have many players returning this year.

Last year, the Trotters had their eyes set on state. Unfortunately, they lost out in Divisionals and their season was cut short of their goal. The loss was tough to swallow but Coach Thompson believes the experience the girls gained will be valuable for this season.

“The experience they have gained is going to help a lot,” Coach Thompson said. “We have two seniors, three juniors and three sophomores that have all improved and we have some freshmen coming in that I think will do a decent job. We have a solid team.”

In addition to the returning Trotters, there are five freshman players this year. Most of the freshmen have previous softball experience but it is still an adjustment to switch to high school varsity level.

“Most of [the freshmen] played in 14 and under softball,” Coach Thompson said. “Some have three or four years’ experience but this is a whole other level and it takes some getting used to.”

The freshmen will have to learn fast because the first game of the season is Saturday, March 29 at noon. It will be a double-header against Troy at home. Coach Thompson is uncertain of what to expect from Troy because a lot can change in a year.

According to Coach Thompson, the first couple games are very important because they can set the tone for the rest of the season.

“It always takes that first game or two to figure things out and where you stand. We hope to be good but if other teams have stepped up it could be a problem,” Coach Thompson said. “We just need to get a handle on what we need to do.”

In order for the Trotters to be successful this season, the two seniors are going to have to step up to the plate—no pun intended—because they hold two of the most important positions on the field. Tia Thompson pitches and Alex Green catches. If there is a problem there, Coach Thompson said, the team will be in trouble but thankfully the two players have experience and know what is required.

Some of the other positions on the team have been decided as well. Sammi Kinzie is set to play shortstop and Diana Woodward will be in center field because she is capable of covering ground. Shaira Caldwell only started playing softball last year but has caught on quickly and will be in the outfield in order to harness her speed.

Some positions have been filled but some are yet to be determined.

Jenna Peterson will be making the transition from second base to third base. The corner positions (first and third base) need to be rearranged to fill empty spots. Leah Thompson plays first base but she is also doing track so there needs to be someone else to help fill that position.

“We are going to have to make some changes to get the right people in the right places to make the best team,” Coach Thompson said.

Despite the shuffling and adjustments, the girls are doing their best to prepare for the first game and the season as a whole.

“They have been working hard. It has been cold but they have been sticking through and hustling. I am pleased with how they are responding to what we are asking,” Coach Thompson said. “It is going to take some time but I am happy with how it is going.”

The girls have the work ethic and the experience to make it far this season. If luck is on their side, and they avoid detrimental factors, they might just meet their goal and make it to state.

“We have enough girls that know what it takes to make it to state. I know they are capable of getting there,” Coach Thompson said. “Of course anything can happen, injuries or sickness, but if we avoid that and continue to progress I think we have a decent shot of making it.”