The varsity softball team has started its season strong with a record of 6-3 since Feb. 13 and still has over two months of competition to further prove themselves.
With a blend of experience from all four grade levels, including an eighth grader, the team hopes to combine their talents and advance to the regional tournament in early May. The team has made an appearance at regionals the last two seasons and has its sights set on a third.
Softball’s area consists of Jackson-Olin, Parker and Minor this year, providing a challenging yet manageable path to the postseason.
At last year’s regionals, the team’s playoff run ended when they fell to Gardendale 10-4. While it was a tough loss to a competitive team, the girls kept their heads high and carried that positivity into this season, which head coach Arica Moss is proud of.
“I think we did end on a high note at regionals despite the loss,” Moss said. “We had a lot of adversity but the girls fought, and I think that’s how we have started the season by picking back up and working on those good attributes all pre-season.”
Moss is impressed with the team’s dynamic, especially because of the wide range of ages across many grades.
“We have a really tight-knit group of girls,” she said. “What I love about them is that they are close on and off of the field, so as a coach, I don’t really have to worry about a lot of team bonding. It is so awesome to have a team that loves each other in that manner.”
Senior second-baseman Abigail Box is also proud of the team’s chemistry this season as softball is a sport where communication and teamwork are vital for success.
“I think it is really interesting how we have a mix of people on our team from all grades,” Box said. “We are all so close with each other, which I have loved to see my senior year. It is so cool to see all the relationships build and grow.”
The four seniors on the team have worked hard to be role models and lead the younger girls. Alongside Abigail Box, right fielder Julia Dabney, right and left fielder Ava Robinson and pitcher and left fielder Mia Gonzales have proved to be great leaders thus far.
Peyton Letson, an eighth grader, started on the team last season and has continued this year, adding another aspect of talent to the team.
“She is not new to the team by any means since she was with us last year,” Moss said. “We love having her out with us; she is a fantastic player.”
As the season progresses, the team’s primary expectation is to get back into the regional tournament, with the even bigger goal of winning a state title.
“We really just want to take it as far as we can and end on another high note,” Moss said. “Whether we end with a win or a loss, we just want to end where we can say that was the best effort we could put forth.”
