Finishing Strong: WG 17, Lutheran South 0

We looked to this game against the Lancers as a tune-up for tomorrow’s tilt against the Pioneers at Kirkwood, and the chance to maybe give some Orange players a shot at time to make up for a game they missed due to band obligations.

It all worked to perfection. Because I was subbing and wanted to save my favors to ride the bus tomorrow, Coach Cerutti took over the bus duties and I didn’t arrive until after stretches. I had wanted to tell the girls to play this game like it was Kirkwood, with the same intensity, the same drive that they will bring to the field tomorrow. I didn’t get the chance, but, turns out, it wasn’t necessary, because that’s exactly the approach they took, not only to this game, but every game. The three Orange players who came along fit right in when they got their chance (and they all got at least an AB) and will bring their energy with them and to us tomorrow.

With Nic Rikand in the circle, we dominated every aspect of the game and she picked up her third victory. TK closed out the game to get her work in and be ready for tomorrow. We adjusted quickly, hit the ball hard, ran the bases aggressively (Caitlyn Boyd upped her stolen base total with two bags to eclipse Olivia Weik’s JV record of 34, with one game to play), and fielded cleanly, including a drop step and retreat on a fly ball in the sun by our flex, Lydia (Lids) Beggs, who looked like she played LF every day. The Lancer hits were basically of the infield variety and Marko erased the first when the runner had the temerity to try to steal on her – not even close.

That’s about all I have (not even sure I have a worthy picture, but haven’t had time to check as I write this before heading to bed). If it’s there, well, great. If not, you’ll have to be content with the box score. See you at KHS tomorrow for a good game and a fitting finish to a tremendous year.

Ready or Not -- 2018

After two weeks of practice, we have had to make all sorts of difficult decisions. Thankfully, one we did NOT have to make was whom to tell she won’t be playing softball. Oh, and apologies for not having updated the Blog Header. That is coming when I am permitted to sit without an elevated leg for more than 15-20 minutes!

But due to the efforts of Bryan Gibson, Don Sanders, and many others from the Feeder League, as well as the commitment from the girls themselves, we will be adding a third team so that all 40 girls who said they wanted to play softball for Webster High School will have the opportunity to do so. We welcome Ashley Pickett (a former player) as the coach of that team and Mike Sulve (a former Webster and collegiate baseball player) to the mix of coaches who will be working with the girls this season.

We haven’t had a third team in over a decade, when I returned to the program as the freshman coach. It is both exciting and a challenge as we juggle players, playing time, facilities, etc. Nevertheless, it is a challenge to which we are looking forward.

We will be adding softball-only shed in right field and moving our home dugout to the first base line. There are plans for more facility improvements, as well, and we’ll be doing some more  season-prep field work this Sunday morning (8/19), for those who would like to contribute their time and energy. 

While the varsity traveled to Fox for their annual preseason jamboree, We had our own intrasquad scrimmage today, and except for a coach forgetting how old he is and suffering an injury, it went well. Fortunately Coach Pickett, just out of sick bay herself, picked up the slack, so we were able to learn more about our players and their various  skill sets.

We have a few pictures of our day, thanks to Mrs. Sammon. But first, we will add the schedules for JV Black and JV Orange. Speaking of the latter, if you should see Jerry Collins, thank him for his hard work in securing a 15-game schedule (9 regular season, 2 3-game tournaments) in August. We are looking forward to seeing you at your daughter’s games.