Athens Drive Softball season returned on Feb. 29 at an away game against Garner Magnet High School. The Lady Jaguars look to improve on last years 3-15 record. The team has a group of new players and a returning head coach, Mike Van Horn.
The majority Athen’s softball players are playing varsity for the first time which includes learning coverages and mechanics.
“I’m excited for this season; the team is fairly young and we all get along really well whether freshman, sophomore, junior or senior,” said Madeline Denton, senior softball player and team captain.
Last season was difficult for the softball team as they started the season 0-9 until they won their first game 9-1 against rival Cary. The team’s batting average was .194 with around 4.47 runs per game. Junior Bianca Van Dyk was a bright spot for the Jaguars last year as she had the highest batting average with .362. The softball roster this year features many underclassmen with three seniors, Captain Denton, Kathryn Vinay and Captain Laura Windom.
“So far we have played three games that were scrimmages against really good teams. Going into it I honestly thought we might get crushed, but playing those three games and making them close, I can say now I think we will have a good future going for us this season,” said Junior Carleigh Hiscock, varsity player.
The Jaguars are ready for the season to make strides in the right direction.The team hopes to improve upon their batting average as a whole in order to increase their chances of winning games. “We lost a lot of returns which is hard, but the girls we do have that haven’t really played work hard which is good, so I think the season will be pretty good,” said Junior Abigail Bennett, varsity player.
The team’s first three games are non-conference away games. The Lady Jaguars realize that practice is pivotal and can be a major influence these next few weeks and throughout the season. The Jaguars March 8 hosted Middle Creek High School in the first home game of the season. The Mustangs were a perfect 14-0 during last years regular season.
“Given what we have coming back, my expectation is that we will finish top 4 of the conference with over a .500 winning percentage and earn a spot in the NCHSAA state playoffs for the first time in the softball program’s history,” said Van Horn.
Van Horn is the second year coach and has expectations and goals that he expects the team can accomplish. Horn believes in his team and has a positive attitude as the team progresses at a steady pace.
“This being my last year of softball. I guess it means playing with no regrets and leaving everything out on the field,” said Windom.
The team show bonds and many friendships that will help build chemistry between the players. Watching the players on the practice field, they have each other backs in the outfield and they work to communicate with one another when teamwork is needed.
“We have six returning players who offer key experience and leadership. I think that everyone has a good attitude and hustle, which will go a long way,” said Denton.
