By Benny Rogers/TVCC Sports Information
It’s on to the spring season for the Trinity Valley Community College Lady Cardinal softball team.
The Lady Cardinals wrapped up the fall exhibition season last weekend, finishing with a 9-11 mark, largely against four-year universities/colleges.
Ashley Johnston, the only coach in the history of the college’s softball program since it began in the fall of 2008, said the tougher schedule was by design.
“We had a much more challenging schedule this fall,” Johnston said. “We wanted to test our kids and see how they would handle adversity. I believe after seeing what we did this fall that we will definitely compete this spring.”
Johnston believes all the pieces are in place for the Lady Cardinals to return to the regional tournament after a one-year absence. They have qualified for the postseason four of the last five years, including an appearance at the national tournament in 2013.
“Our power hitters are still trying to find their groove and piece together hits for the offense, but our slappers were outstanding,” Johnston said. “With the speed that we bring to the lineup, it is going to play a very important role as the season plays on.”
Johnston said the top slappers during the fall were Hannah Bennett, Desirae Delgado and Haley Durden. Bennett and Degaldo are sophomores and Durden a freshman.
The Lady Cardinals’ power game was led by sophomore Angelica Navarro, freshman Torri Hedrick and sophomore Kayla Diaz.
Sophomore Samantha Sevier paced the pitching in the 20-game fall schedule, according to Johnston.
“She looked very impressive against the D-1s we played,” Johnston said. “She is definitely a kid that wants the ball in her hand and she will get it done in the circle for us.”
Johnston said the biggest thing she learned about her team in the fall was about her sophomores.
“Our sophomores have really stepped up and have become great leaders and will be a vital part to our success. We are looking forward to see how hard they are going to work in the off-season to be where we need to be in the spring.
“We are not there yet, but definitely are getting closer.”
The Lady Cardinals are scheduled to open the spring season at home Jan. 31 against Hill College at W.P. “Rip” Drumgoole Field at Cain Park.