SALEM (WSLS 10 SPORTS)- 1997 was the last time Glenvar softball was able to bring home a state championship, however this season they're looking to turn that around behind veteran leadership in their seniors and also a bond that they share off the diamond.
The Highlanders return eight seniors this season, five of which have been together all four years. Some of the players have even been playing together since their sandlot days. Second year coach Rick Street said their example on the field has a domino effect of the entire team.
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"You really don't have to tell them as much. I don't have to start them for practice. I don't have to start them for pregame. They take a lot of initiative to do those things themselves and the younger players see that and they fall into line," he said.
Stellar pitching from Kayla Mims and O.C. Ward has been a big factor starting this season. In six games, Ward has 31 strikeouts with an ERA under 1.
"We really communicate well together and we're just really close. So the bonding helps with our performance in the games," explained Ward.
Although getting wings this season is their main goal, the team keeps something else in mind also.
"We always say every day before a game and before practice what are we going to do today? We're going to play softball. What are we going to do when we play softball? We're going to get better and that's our goal," said shortstop Courtney Herron.
Coach Street and his team look to continue their success as the season goes on and as they continue to play tougher match-ups in their conference.