Archives > Sports Update
Print
E-mail
Comment
Rate
RSS
Share
Cats in the Cradle: Lack of experience hasn't diminished Plano's goals
BY Kevin Hageland, khageland@starlocalnews.com
The end of the 2012 softball season brought an end to the careers of the most decorated senior class in Plano Senior softball history.
But that doesn't mean 2013 is a down year.
"We lost seven of our nine starters and that's tough," said Cynthia Zea, Plano head coach. "But we have a great group this season. They play just as hard as the girls last year and they are growing up quickly, learning how to handle the stress and pressure that can come along with these games."
 |
"You can tell these girls have a sense of pride in the past success we've had," Zea said. "But I don't think they are focused on the past as much as they are focused on today and tomorrow, trying to make their own mark."
Leading that charge is Calli Irvin.
The senior was a force in Plano's lineup last season, but has now taken full control of the circle with the graduation of Kat Batey.
"Calli has done great so far," Zea said. "She's on a good club team but got hurt in the summer, so she didn't really start pitching again until the fall. I think that has actually been a good thing because it has given her a fresher arm; she seems to be getting better each time she goes out there."
Irvin's battery mate is senior Ashlee Begis, who Zea said is, "making the most of her opportunity," in her first chance to be a starter after periodically cracking the lineup last year due to her bat.
New faces dominate the infield, with the exception of junior Tori Seasor, who is back at shortstop. Junior Jennifer Puchala is at first base with sophomore Brianna Boulanger at second and the tandem of senior Nicole Lange and sophomore T'Eryn Bevels at third.
Having multiple players in a position battle hasn't been unusual in 2013.
"It's an evolving process," Zea said. "This is a competitive group and everyone wants to play, but they know it can sometimes come down to who is hitting best or who is doing the best in practice."
The same mix of youth, experience and competition exists in the outfield.
That group is anchored by senior center fielder Julia Knight, who was a staple of Plano's 2011 Class 5A State Tournament squad and moves from a corner spot to take over for the graduated Kristen Miles.
"Julia is such a solid player and person, so we knew this would be an easy transition for her," Zea said. "She's someone who will run to the fence for us and has really taken charge of the outfield."
Right field is patrolled by senior Tanner Davis while junior Katelyn Avery and sophomore Kalifornia Bolter have split time in left.
Each of the aforementioned girls has gotten playing time during a tough tournament schedule that included trips to Bryan/College Station, Southlake and McKinney. The trip to McKinney was particularly successful with the Lady Wildcats going 4-1 as part of an 11-9 non-district slate.
"Experience or no, we want to play the best because we want to be the best," Zea said. "I'd rather take a 2-1 loss in a game where we can learn something than win a game 15-0 where mistakes don't hurt us.
"So we've taken some losses, but they've been educational losses."
Plano displayed what it had learned March 8 in a district-opening 12-1 victory over McKinney.
The game was actually tied, 1-1, in the fourth.
"We had two outs and McKinney made an error that should have been the end of the inning," Zea said. "We responded with nine straight hits and nine straight runs, which won us the game and showed the girls that one mistake really can be all the difference in a district game."
Plano's district record currently stands at 1-1.
The Lady Wildcats dropped a 4-3 decision Monday to presumed district favorite McKinney Boyd when the home team scored in the bottom of the seventh inning.
"We played a great opponent and had an opportunity to win," Zea said, "so we still feel very good about that."
Plano will face the only other 2-0 team in 10-5A at 7 p.m. Tuesday when it hosts Plano East.
"That game versus East is always such a battle," Zea said. "The girls know each other and the environment is always awesome too, so we're really looking forward to it."
The following are comments from the readers.
In no way do they represent the view of Starlocalnews.com
In no way do they represent the view of Starlocalnews.com
You must register with a valid email to post comments.
Only your Member ID will be posted with the comments.
Only your Member ID will be posted with the comments.
Registered users sign in here:
Become a Registered User
- Return to: Sports Update «
- Home «
- Top of Page ^
