Warriors see 'potential' despite slow softball start

By Mike Warner
For The New Era

The Lebanon softball team is off to a bit of a slow start, coming into this week at 2-5 in the young season, but there is a strong, positive mental attitude among the coaches and players.

They all believe that better days are ahead.

“This is a very fun team,” Coach Julie Holden said. “These guys know how to work hard and get after it. They never quit. They just keep coming back for more. They just keep working and learning. I tell them that it is a journey and they are buying on the journey with us.”

Seniors on the team echoed Coach Holden’s thoughts.

“So far, we haven’t done the best, but we have a lot of girls that have a lot of potential and the more we work, the better we will be,” said Annastazia Marshall.

Jalynn Wilson seconded those thoughts: “We have a progressive team; we are very slowly developing and we are almost there. Almost there.”

Hailey Myers added, “The team is wonderful. We all get along so well and there is no drama. We have a lot of improvement and we are a very fast team.”.

Holden said that the Mid-Willamette Conference is tough as always, but no one team stands out this year. “There are a lot of good coaches and good players out there. It is whoever shows up and competes.”

A number of teams could be vying for league honors and Lebanon is clearly in the mix.

The varsity is led by senior Tatum Cole, along with Marshall, Myers and Wilson. Juniors include Taelyn Whitney, Majestah Nida, Scarlett French and Chloe Regalado. Sophomores include Maddi Anderson, Sophia Summerlin and Kinnley Clark. The lone freshman is Brystol Hockema. With only 12 players on the team, the girls will play multiple positions based on team needs.

Lebanon junior varsity softball team members are, in front, from left, Dannaka Stover, Maci Kau, Bella Jackson, Zoee Ruonavaara, Annabelle Fleming, Anouk Ricketts and Brookelynn Sim. In the rear, from left, are Coach JR Clark, Emily Nelson, Rylie Trask, Sunny Schuler, Soey Savage Qynn Whitney and Coach Joan Suing.

Junior varsity players are sophomores Maci Kau, Zoey Savage, Bella Jackson, Anouk Ricketts, Sunny Schuler, Brookelynne Sim and Dannaka Stover; and freshmen Emily Nelson, Annabelle Fleming, Zoee Ruonavaara and Rylie Trask.

The remaining preseason schedule includes at Willamette this week, on April 7. Nelson at home on April 9, and at Century on the road on April 10. Conference begins at Central on April 13, with their first home MWC game against Corvallis on April 17.