Connecting the diamond

Softball team looks to improve communication and camaraderie in upcoming season

Senior+Katrina+Jackson+%2824%29+prepares+for+a+pitch.

Yulyana Clemente

Senior Katrina Jackson (24) prepares for a pitch.

After failing to make playoffs last season, the Fighting Farmers softball team looks to improve its game before the start of district ball.

With district play beginning Tuesday, Feb. 28 against Euless Trinity, head coach Lori Alexander is using every day possible to work with the girls before then.

“[We are] using the preseason to work out and fix some things before we get to district,” Alexander said. “[We] saw some stuff that we really need to improve on before the season starts.”

By working in and out of school the players hope to improve and do well both individually and as a team.

“I’m looking to do my best in everything I do and I want to give it my all for my team, my pitching, hitting, fielding or whatever I’m doing,” senior pitcher and outfielder Taylor Groover said.

The girls are looking to connect more in the diamond in an effort to create a better flow throughout every inning.

“Coach is trying to improve our communication skills,” senior outfielder Grace Wilson said. “We know what we’re doing but we just need to communicate better.”

The goal for the season has been set and it is simple: The girls want to recreate their winning ways and reach playoffs again. In 2013, the Fighting Farmers softball team won the state championship. The last time the team made playoffs was in 2015, but it finished as the state runner up.

“I know for me and my team personally we just want to go out there and have a good time,” senior outfielder Katrina Jackson said. “It’s high school ball and we’re ready to go all out and go for the best.”

As for the five seniors on the team, it’s going to be a special season. They want to make every game count and reach as far as possible.

“It’s bittersweet,” senior third base and shortstop Kaylee Rodriquez said. “I’ve been on the varsity team all of my four years [in high school], and I just want this one to be a good one.”