By Chris Parker
Hollister softball will look to improve on an 8-7 mark last year with a strong group of returning players this year.
“We will have a number of different leaders on our team this season,” Hollister head coach Rebekah Glenn said. “Our senior class consists of Mady Pyatt, Jackie Pyatt, and Shy Frenzel. These girls have experience and softball knowledge that will help boost our team to the next level of competition. We also have junior Mac Hamilton and sophomore Kelly Garceau that have an amazing amount of determination and will be great examples and leaders for our younger players. Each of these girls are competitors and I am excited to see them lead our team this season.”
The Hollister pitching staff will consist of Garceau, Pyatt and Frenzel.
“Each player will bring consistency, strikes, and allowing the defense to make plays and get outs,” Glenn said.
Pyatt and Hamilton will share catching duties.
“Both are exceptional catchers and leaders and will be essential in our defense this year,” Glenn said.
The rest of the lineup around the field is to be determined.
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“Our infield and outfield are unclaimed territories right now,” Glenn said. “We graduated five starters last year, which opens up our options for this season. What those girls gave last year we cannot replace, but it gives us the stepping stones to continue to grow. It gives us the opportunity to fill those spots with the best athletes and team players we have. Each spot is up for grabs, and I want to see who wants to work hard, give everything, and take those spots for themselves. That will give us the best defense possible.”
However the defensive lineup shakes out, the offense will be a force.
“We will be strong in our offense this year,” Glenn said. “(A) majority of our power hitters are returning this year as well as some young players that will help us play some small ball each game. As a team, we are going to focus on winning each at bat and be aggressive and take chances on the bases to score runs. Many of our players have been putting a lot of work into their swings over the off season and I am excited to try new things and have some fun on offense this year.”
Hollister opens the season on Mar. 22 at home against Buffalo.
“Above all else I expect our team to be successful, and success is measured in a number of different ways. I expect our team to strive for greatness, to not give up, and to compete. Of course we will strive to win, but we will talk a lot this season about winning the pitch, winning the at bat, winning the out, or winning the inning,” Glenn said. “If we focus on winning the little things, then majority of the time after seven innings, we will come out on top.”
