After a devastating end to the 2019 season, getting knocked out of playoffs in the first round, the softball team is more determined than ever to go even further in playoffs this season. 

Even though the 2019 playoffs didn’t go as well as many hoped, this year, the team’s chemistry is what’s going to push them even further than before, according to senior infielder Reagan Hillis.

“I think the teams biggest strengths are our camaraderie, and our ability to fight back when we’re down,” Hillis said. “My personal goal is to strive to be a leader on the team for the underclassmen.”

Hillis, who has been on varsity since freshman year, understands that focus and effort can make or break a season.

“Our biggest obstacles this year are going to be controlling our attitude and effort,” Hillis said. “If we don’t stay positive in the face of adversity, then we won’t reach our full potential.” 

Even though the team’s first game isn’t until Feb. 18, the team is striving to do well during the various scrimmages they have leading up to their regular season.

“[I think what’s important this year is that]  we have a lot of returning varsity players coming back and a lot of talent,” senior outfielder Katy Kahlich said. “My personal goals this year are to get better as the season goes while making it the most memorable.”

With big name teams on the schedule such as Glenn and Weiss, the main goal for some teammates is maintaining positive attitudes in order to defeat their more difficult competitors. 

“Glenn this year will have strong pitching and solid bats on their offense,” Hillis said. “Weiss has a good coaching staff with competitive players that are scrappy. We will prepare to face them by working hard, having a planned approach to each at bat and making routine plays with few defensive errors.”

Because Glenn took first in district last year, with the timberwolves taking second, Kahlich said it’s more important to focus on her own game rather than her opponents.

“I think we need to focus on what we need to do to get better and not focus on what the other team is doing,” Kahlich said. “I’m excited to go against Weiss and Glenn again and ready to beat them.”

This season, for some players, will push them into their collegiate career, according to Hillis. Not only is Hillis preparing to have a successful senior season, but she is also using this year as a final step before she plays in college. Hillis recently signed to play for Odessa College and will begin next fall.

“This season is going to prepare me for college by keeping me in shape during the spring so I am ready to play softball in the fall for Odessa,” Hillis said. “Working out regularly with the team this season and taking reps will help me prepare for my career in college.”

The team’s next scrimmage will be tonight at 7:00 p.m. against Vandegrift.