Maiden softball team hopes to get back into playoffs

Written by Brenda Reimer, Staff Writer

With basketball season coming to a close, spring sports are just around the corner. Practices have begun, and teams are starting to take shape. Scrimmages continue as choices about how to get to the playoffs this year are being made. This is softball season.

“We are blessed with a great group of girls this season,” Coach Carol Vaughn said. “The girls are working hard and are very determined this year.”

Leaders on the team are seniors KK Horton and Berenice Dominguez.

“Everyone in softball has assumed a leadership role in one way or another,” Vaughn said. “But Berenice and KK are helping everyone keep on task and focused on the goals at hand.”

Last year the Maidens made it to a seeding game for bi-district but lost to Fort Stockton. This year they are working harder to make it past that.

“We’re doing a lot better this year,” Horton said. “We are more focused. Out team is still young, but as long as we keep focus, we can do it.”

According to Vaughn, defense was a weakness last year, and too many errors were made.

“We goof around sometimes, which can be a weakness,” Dominguez said, “but when we work very hard and do it together, we get a lot accomplished.”

Hard work is required to make it to playoffs, and that’s exactly what the Maidens plan on doing.

“We are practicing way harder than last year,” Dominguez said. “We are putting in more effort and pushing ourselves.”

According to Vaughn, district is always tough because every team involved has a history of making the playoffs.

“I expect this season to be as competitive as always,” Vaughn said. “The even teams in our district make sure whoever goes on is ready to represent the district.”

Vaughn said the Maidens are still working their way up. With a few spots still open for the varsity team, those who show their strengths might be ready to move up.

“Some of the newcomers haven’t had the chance to play or experience it all,” Horton said, “but we are all learning something new every day.”

The Maidens host Coronado, Midland Lee, Coahoma, Lubbock High and Canyon in a scrimmage tomorrow.