The Varsity Softball Team is returning for yet another competitive season on the field — and Coach Sue Roeher is ready to take on the district.
‘We want to win districts this year,? she stated. ‘Our goals include finishing in the top three of the Flint Metro League, winning districts and working as a unit for the season.?
The Lady Cats almost reached their goals during the 2003 season with a third place finish in the FML, but the team couldn’t quite grasp that district title. The ladies beat Orion in the first round of competition, but lost to Troy in the finals.
To assist in their climb to the top, the ladies will be focusing this season on hitting the ball where the defense isn’t, executing perfect plays and, above all, honing their defensive strategies.
‘That’s may coaching philosophy,? said Roeher. ‘We work to play an error free defense, that way we only have to hit one ball off.?
Leading the Wildcats for the 2004 season are senior pitcher/second baseman Megan Bono, senior utility player Kristi Curtis and junior catcher Jessica Anhel. The team rounds out their experience with four more returning seniors: Courtney McGraw, Ali Belmonte, Shannon Gerbe and Jenni Rhodes.
The Lady Cats have already started off their season with an opening loss to Goodrich. In game one, the team was defeated 0-3, including nine strike outs.
‘In the first game we didn’t hit the ball well,? said Roeher. ‘Goodrich scored two runs on four errors.?
Game two saw the Wildcats still struggling, despite better hitting, with a 0-5 loss. Goodrich was able to score two runs on eight errors. Losing pitcher Cervantez stood the mound for the game only giving up four hits and two earned runs.
The team competed on both Saturday and Monday, but results were not available at the time of publication. The Wildcats take to the diamond again on April 19, after spring break, against Grand Blanc.