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Softball: Back in the saddle: Cowgirls hoping for playoff return
By Justin Thomas, jthomas@starlocalnews.com
Having come up short of the playoffs in each of the past two seasons, Coppell's softball team has been anxiously awaiting the start of the District 5-5A competition, which got under way Tuesday with a contest at Hebron (results not available as of press time).
The Cowgirls enter district at 10-8-1 and are coming off an 8-7 win in nine innings over Plano East Saturday as they look to regain the magic that saw them win a combined six playoff series from 2008-10.
With all but two starters back, the Cowgirls first focus is returning to the postseason.
This season, 5-5A features the state's current No. 1 team (Marcus), a squad that has reached at least the regional quarterfinals in each of the past three years (Hebron) and another program that reached the third round last season (Flower Mound) in addition to an upstart Lewisville team and Denton Ryan.
"We're starting to do a better job in the field and we have more pitching help," Krug said. "But we know what this district is about and we know that it's going to be tough."
Among Coppell's returnees is pitcher Alyssa Ringhausen, who is joined in the circle by Ashley Witt. Elaine Forshaw also chips in as a reliever.
"They've all been doing a good job," Krug said. "We've kind of been flipping them, but right now I would have to say Alyssa has been standing out. She has good movement and probably has the most velocity. But all three have different styles and have been doing well."
Alyssa Rusch returns at catcher and brings smarts and defense to the position as well as a productive bat. Witt and Ringhausen handle first base duties depending on who is pitching with Lindsay Stivers at second, Erika Zimmer at shortstop and Alicia Van Winkle at third. Around the outfield are Ali Gentry in left, Lora Blackwell in center and Gaby Morlet or Katy Bryan in right.
"We had some issues defensively early," Krug said. "We kind of struggled and had a lot of issues with bobbling routine balls. But we've made some changes and our chemistry and play has been much better lately."
One area where Coppell hasn't struggled is at the plate.
"We've hit very well," Krug said. "Alicia and [Ringhausen] have done a great job. They're power hitters, but we also have three girls who can really get on base and have speed. They make good contact and we've been running the bases well."
Clare Madden plays designated hitter for Coppell, while Krug credited Erika Zimmer for her all-around play.
"[Zimmer has] been phenomenal," she said. "She has speed and range in the field and has really been hitting the ball."
Following Tuesday's contest against Hebron, Coppell goes on the road at 7 p.m. Friday to face Flower Mound.
"We have a lot of seniors on our team and if we control what we do, we'll be able to play well," Krug said. "We're definitely thinking playoffs."
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