The Lewis Cass girls’ softball team is preparing for their sectional, as they will play Oak Hill in the first round. The Lady Kings have already lost to Oak Hill earlier this season, with a final score of 6-1. The team has improved greatly since this early-season game. The girls are ready to face off again as they continue to work in practice.
This season, the team has two seniors, Hannah Zamora and Kaitlyn Benner, who were asked about the season as they are about to enter their final sectional. Hannah Zamora, starting catcher, was first asked how she feels about drawing Oak Hill after previously losing to them in the regular season. Zamora said she thinks if the team plays like they did against Southwood and stays on their toes, the team will have a very good chance. Another question asked was what Zamora believes the team’s biggest weakness is, and how it affects the team. Hannah replied that she believes the team’s biggest weakness is staying consistent. The team tends to fall apart or not stay on top of the game. Finally, Zamora was asked what her favorite memory from the four years she played softball was. Hannah said her favorite memory is when the team won sectionals. She had such a big rush of emotions watching everyone cheer, and being so excited brought so much joy to her.
Kaitlyn Benner, starting first baseman, was also asked a few questions about her final season of high school softball. The first thing she was asked was what her biggest worry was as the team enters sectionals, and what she is most confident about in the team. Kaitlyn replied that she is most worried about losing out in the first round of her senior year. Although she worries about that, she is very confident that the girls will play together as a team. Next, Benner was asked what the team has been doing to prepare for sectionals. Benner said they knew they were in their sectional, so they did not pitch their first-string pitcher. The team pitched their second string, so Oak Hill is unaware of what they will see in the sectional. Lastly, Kaitlyn said her favorite memory was when it was raining so hard at practice, they could not finish, so the team got to go out to dinner together.
Co-head coach, Rusty Logan was asked about the season as the girls enter sectionals. Logan was asked what he believes the team’s biggest struggles and strengths have been this season. He replied, saying the biggest strength is having such an old team. Two-thirds of the team this year are juniors. Logan said the biggest struggle is keeping everyone mentally engaged during practice, like it is a game. Rusty was asked what the team’s goals are for the postseason tournament. He said it is to pull everything together, using what the team has learned throughout the season, and playing competitively. The Lady Kings want to win another sectional like they did in 2023. Finally, Logan was asked what approach the team would take as they face Oak Hill again after previously losing to them this season. Logan replied that the approach taken since knowing they were playing a sectional opponent, the coaches were aware of this and did not throw their number one pitcher, Fitzhugh, however, Oak Hill did. Since they used this strategy, the Lady Kings know what to expect from Oak Hill hitting-wise, but the Lady Eagles have no idea what they will face in Amma Fitzhugh. Logan also said the team is hoping the 15+ games the team has played since they played Oak Hill will help the team to have the confidence needed to win.
The Lady Kings Softball team has been working hard and improving as they enter the sectional and postseason tournament. The team has had ups and downs, highs and lows, but is ready to get focused and be a huge competitor. The Lady Kings will play their first sectional game against Oak Hill on May 27, 2025, at Oak Hill at 7 pm.
