After a 6-21 season that ended with a first-round postseason loss, the West Plains softball team enters the new season with a young roster and a simple objective: Keep improving and give the team a chance to win.
The Lady Zizzers return three varsity starters — Bella Bridges, Bailey Wake and Remini Williams — and welcome five freshmen to the program: Olivia Cudworth, Aubrey Ellison, Taylor House, Morgan Russell and Vivianne Sandberg.
With no returning seniors on the roster, West Plains head coach Don Long said the team has had to find leadership in other places.
“Without returning seniors, everyone has had to step up and take on more responsibility,” Long said. “It has been good to see our players grow into those leadership roles.”
Long sees the team's work ethic, chemistry and defense as its foundational strengths. Those traits, he noted, will help the Lady Zizzers remain competitive while younger players continue to develop.
Instead of making dramatic overhauls, the coaching staff is focused on becoming more consistent in the small details that often dictate the outcome of close games. Long said he has been encouraged by the effort from his pitchers and defenders as they work to refine their skills.
At the plate, Long wants the Lady Zizzers to maintain an aggressive approach without sacrificing discipline.
“Offensively, we want to play good, hard, fundamental softball every game,” Long said. “We want to be aggressive, stay disciplined and focus on doing our jobs at the plate.”
Long's primary goal is for the team to make the most of each inning, remaining steady and never overlooking routine plays.
“Our biggest goal is to compete every inning and never give up,” Long said. “If we can stay together, play hard and consistently do the little things right, I think we can put ourselves in a good position later in the season.”
Readers can find the full-length feature story, additional photos and season schedule in the Quill’s free 44-page Zizzer Fall Sports Preview Magazine. Copies may be picked up at the Quill, area businesses and home games.
