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By Tim Clemens
The Lady Apache softball season has gotten off to a tough start this season. At press time they have an overall record of 1 – 3 and 0 – 2 in the Arrowhead Conference.
The women split a double header with Kishwaukee March 30, losing the conference game, and lost two to Black Hawk on March 23. Weather caused games scheduled against Highland March 28 and Morraine Valley March 21 to be canceled.
Coach Cory Tomasson said "the girls are really hitting well" so he expects the women to get their season on track. Tomasson said they have yet to see a pitcher they could not hit. In one game against Kishwaukee the women pounded out 19 hits.
The major downfall to the team, Tomasson said, is inexperience.
"Right now all the girls on the team are inexperienced," the coach said. "None of them have played college softball."
Tomasson explained that two members of the team are second-year students who did not play softball their freshman year.
In addition to weather problems canceling games, weather has affected practice, forcing the women to practice in the gym most of the spring.
"We have been practicing outside for only a week."
On April 6 the women will play Sauk Valley, and according to Tomasson, "We should win, if our mental mistakes improve and catch up with how our hitting is doing."
Then on April 8 and 9 the Lady Apaches play in an East vs. West tournament at Highland. This tournament will include teams from the Arrowhead Conference playing against schools to the east.
The Apaches will lay five games in the tourney. For every win a school achieves, the team receives a point.
"The tournament helps for seeding in the regional," Tomasson said.
The coach added that he has been happy with the fan turnout at the women’s’ games this year.
"We had a lot of fans at the home opener," he said. "The boys’ team came out; families, other students, and the faculty all were there to support us. We really appreciate people coming out to see us play and hope that they will continue."