Coach Danny Anderson has taken on the position of head coach of the Lady Blue Eagles Softball team. Danny is no stranger to the team and the game, he has been backing up coaches for sixteen years. This year he has taken on the role of being up front. Backing Danny is Coach Ron Brill. Coach Brill has coached so many teams and girls he has most likely lost count. Coach Anderson says, “He knows the game and every coach and team in the valley. He’s a real asset to our team.ã Both Coach Anderson and Brill are legends when speaking of softball in the OVAC.

This year the team will have seventeen girls on the roster. Six are seniors, four juniors, three sophomores and five freshman. Coach Anderson explained that last year they lost their entire outfield at the end of the season, but the infield is still pretty solid. But, he seemed to have confidence that loss will be filled by this seasons freshman players.

“This year’s freshman group is more developed in their playing skills. They knew our team lost pretty much the entire outfield. This group of freshman stepped up, and are helping to fill those positions.”

In the game of softball pitching is everything, and Coach Anderson believes he has two girls that will take to the mound and get the ball into the catcher’s glove without a hit. He will lead off with senior Olivia Stine. Olivia has pitched for the past three years bringing a lot of skills to the position. Olivia’s strong point is she can hit the corners and keep the batter off balance. Olivia can also throw hard when needed.

Backing Olivia will be Sophomore Mallory McDiffit. Mallory throws hard and fast. Batters have a hard time getting their timing down with her speed skills. She can also throw to the corners when needed.

Behind home plate is senior Bella Conner’s. Bella has been behind the plate for three years. That gives her skills in reading the field and keeping the pitcher wise to runners. Jenna Stillwagner and Carolina Heil will be backing Bella up throughout the season.

“Haidyn Bland, a junior will be playing short stop. She also swings a strong bat. Playing third base is a senior Emma Steele. She hits the ball well and constantly hard. Alyssa Littleton will be playing first base. Alyssa can also hit the ball well. Backing her will be Madeline Delaney, as a junior, she started off batting extremely well last year. As the season went by she got into a slump. But I believe she has her confident back and we are expecting her to do well”, said Coach Anderson. “Sienna McKeever has a lot of speed and should do well in the outfield, she also runs track. Mikah DeMarco a junior is returning after a couple years and Jessa Anderson has been hitting the ball well and will be playing second base.” Coach Anderson gave a lot of credit to freshman on the team, Sidney Knight and Sophia Alexander. “Gabby Hudson may be playing the infield”, Coach Anderson described her as having good hands.

“Last year we lost in the sectionals to Wheeling Central. Our week point last year was constancy in our batting. But that is hard to fix when you have a Single A team. One day you are playing a team with 40 mph pitcher on the mound and next day a 65 mph pitcher. Constance in batting has a lot to do with the speed of the ball,ã added Coach Anderson.

Coach Anderson wants to remind everyone that on home game day, he will raise a flag over the home dug out. I believe after speaking with Coach Anderson the Magnolia girls have a real shot at having a good season. Experienced in the infield and eagerness in the outfield along with two pitchers with the skills to place the ball into the catcher glove makes for an exciting season ahead. Good Luck Lady Blue’s and coaches