LWK looks to make improvements in softball

After more than four years of not having a softball program, a dozen girls have made their way to the softball diamond to compete in the current season. With an after spring break start date, the LWK team has been focusing on making improvements in every game, and head coach Bailey Weekes said the girls are already becoming more confident and reacting quicker in game situations.

In the April 12 game against Liberty Christian, the LWK team suffered a 0-25 loss in game one, and 0-21 loss in game two. Britte Harder pitched all five innings in game one, racking up four strikeouts, while eighth grade athlete Hailey Ayers pitched the five innings in game two.

“Both pitchers did a fantastic job of battling through their respective games,” Weekes said. “Throughout both games the team was able to make improvements and build confidence in their skills both on offense and defense.”

Weekes said the early season game showed the team needed to work to become more comfortable on the field and eliminate the nervousness.

The game displayed the team’s need to focus on timing and location when at bat, and as base runners, the team needed to be more aggressive leading off, Weekes said.

The LWK then matched up against Othello in a shortened match on April 17, due to the Othello team only being allowed to play 90 minutes on weekdays. In game one, the LWK team lost by a single run, 17-18, and ran out of time in the second game, but lost 9-10.

Ayers pitched two innings in the first game, followed by Harder who pitched the final two innings in game one. In game two, Harder pitched all six innings and earned two strikeouts in both games.

The games showed improvements for the team, and Weekes said the overall performance had increased dramatically. The LWK athletes made important plays and adjustments in both the infield and outfield during the games. As batters, Weekes said the team was able to get their timing down to find the ball and make contact.

The focus for the team going into the April 19 game against Pomeroy was to work on game situations, remain confident and communicate effectively.

The LWK Tigercats faced Pomeroy on April 19, falling to the Pirates 9-21 and 11-30. Harder pitched the first game and earned one strikeout. Nicole Harder pitched the first inning of game two, followed by Ayers who earned two strikeouts.

The first inning went strongly in favor of the Tigercats, who only allowed two runs out of five batters while on defense. On offense, Gail Harder got on base, ran the bases aggressively and an RBI by Kaylee Pavone brought her home.

“In comparison to previous games, we felt that the team was more confident when walking up to bat and running the bases. When there was a play (on defense) our girls were able to make plays,” Weekes said.

Weekes credited Nicole Harder for being one of the strongest improved athletes and one who has adapted quickly to realize important game situations. As catcher, Nicole threw out multiple runners who had attempted to steal bases and Weekes said she is a strong asset to the team.

The LWK team is focusing on having a quicker response time during games, Weekes said. The Tigercats go on the road to face Rosalia on April 26 at 11 a.m.