The Warren softball team is returning from a 1-16 losing season last year, hoping to win more this year. They have been practicing hard, and as they prepare for this season with many new and recurring players they know they need to play hard and work as a team.
In their second to last game last season against Herron High School, they won 9-4. In many games last year they lost by a landslide, while some were only off by one point.
The softball team had their first scrimmage this year on March 19 against Cardinal Ritter, winning 13-9. Although it was just a scrimmage, having that good energy in those early practice matches prepares them better for having a better chance on game days. They won their first game of the season on April 14, 16-9 against Bethesda Christian High School. They have back to back games from the 14th to 17th, with a game Saturday as well.
This year the softball team is just a varsity team. With many freshmen on the team this year, upperclassmen have to step up and take on leadership roles. Not only do the juniors and seniors have to step up as leaders, but so do the sophomores. Sophomore Jordyn Dever has been playing softball since she was 10, and this year not only is her sister on the team, but she has other freshmen looking up to her as well.
“Being an underclassmen I’m able to step up and be a leader within the team by encouraging the team in tough games and practices,” Dever said. “Also, being a pitcher I’m able to set the tone for the game and give the other players confidence when we are out on the field.”
As Head Coach Joanne Carroll looks back on last season, she wishes that they had gone with just a varsity team last year too. It would have allowed for better development in some of the players, giving more depth and consistency across the board. Which is why this year, they did just that.
“By consolidating into one team, we’re giving ourselves a stronger chance to be successful as a program,” Carroll said. “Our athletes are facing higher-level competition, which is accelerating their growth and development.
According to Carroll, the team has already seen the benefits of that consolidation.
“Our young players are gaining valuable game experience and rising to the challenge,” she said. “It's been a great move for building both confidence and chemistry within the team.”