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In search of consistency: Boyd falls to Lewisville, regroups for district
By Richard C. White, rwhite@starlocalnews.com
LEWISVILLE -- The McKinney Boyd softball team lost 4-2 to Lewisville Tuesday night on the road in the Lady Broncos' final game before district.
Boyd pitcher Erin Riding gave up all four runs in a complete game effort. Lewisville chipped away at Boyd, sprinkling their runs across the seven innings.
"I thought Erin threw pretty well," said Maureen Fritz, Boyd head coach. "I'm disappointed in our bats, but I know offensively we'll come around."
"We do need to be more consistent," Fritz said. "Every day brings something new and I think every coach is looking for that consistency. We know we need to focus on that."
Injuries have plagued the Lady Broncos in this early going, as several starters have missed many games at various points in this first month of the season.
"It's going very well considering we've had quite a few injuries to a lot of starters," Fritz said. "The injuries have been off and on. They haven't been all at once. We're gradually getting them back. We've had to be very flexible, moving a lot of players around."
Chief among Boyd's injured players is junior catcher Madison VonHagel, who is expected to return in two weeks from a broken thumb.
"She's a talented player," Fritz said. "I know that when she comes back she's going to step right back in to where she left off."
Riding, who pitched well Tuesday despite the loss, is another key player for the Lady Broncos this year.
"She's grown so much as a pitcher and has mentally gotten stronger," Fritz said. "She's very determined and very driven. She has continuously gotten better."
Leading the way in the infield for Boyd is junior shortstop Jill Nicklas.
"She's the leader overall in our infield just by her physical skill," Fritz said. "She has many great abilities and can dominate all areas of the game and she knows the game very well. She's a passionate, competitive player. She does everything she can to be better."
Senior Miranda McDonald, who plays center field for the Lady Broncos, has filled her own important role on the team.
"She's our quiet leader, one who leads by example," Fritz said. "She's been with me all four years, so she's very disciplined. She leads us off and gets things going. She sets the pace. She's also like a coach in the outfield. She's someone I truly depend on a lot."
The Lady Broncos may have had recent struggles with their offense, but their bats have been more consistent than not so far this year. Rather, it's been their spotty defense that has troubled their coach the most.
"We need to step up our defensive play," Fritz said. "That's important to us moving forward and it's something I think we will see."
Even with the injury bug sidelining various players, the Lady Broncos have amassed a winning record all the same.
"These are versatile kids who are doing well considering the injuries," Fritz said. "Once we get everybody back and playing we're expecting more consistency and more success."
With their non-district schedule now behind them, Fritz is ready to see her team tackle their rivals in what she expects will be a rewarding season.
"I think we're ready," she said. "We're excited about starting district. I love the competition, and my girls do, too, so it'll be fun."
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