By Chris Parker
Blue Eye returns six starters from last season’s four-win team. Those six starters enter their second season playing for head coach Jeff Dishman.
“Last year our numbers were down some, maybe again this year we will fight the numbers game, but I’m excited about our younger players this season,” Dishman said. “Last year was my first year here coaching softball and the girls adjusted fine, this year they know what is expected every day, they will come in and work hard, do the little things that will help us be successful.”
Kieryn Fairchild (senior pitcher/outfielder), Tori Berry (senior infielder), Kayla Johnson (junior catcher), Angelina Bettlach (junior infielder), Hailey Hobbs (senior infielder) and Jenaya Keys (senior outfielder) will be key returning players.
“These ladies come in every day and they work hard, and their willingness to learn is what sets them apart,” Dishman said. “We will look to our seniors this season to lead us in practice and in games. Kieryn Fairchild and Hailey Hobbs both of whom played basketball but know what it takes every day to get better and work hard.
Fairchild will share pitching duties with sophomore Mia Stricker and freshman Meleah Mitchell.
Dishman will look for this trio to be consistently in the zone and for the defense to be ready to back them up.
“We have to throw more competitive pitches,” Dishman said. “And our defense must get better. It goes back to knowing what to do on every pitch. We call it ‘taking inventory’ where are the runners, where are my plays at, and where do I need to be if the ball is hit.”
The second year under Dishman provides the team with familiarity of his system and expectations.
“I think the biggest strength will be that most of our players know now what is expected every day and what it takes to get better. It’s the everyday grind of work and learning to trust the process.
Blue Eye opens the season on Mar. 19 at home against Seymour.
“We certainly want to win more games, but in the long run if we get better each day, and we play with passion and purpose, then the wins will come,” Dishman said.
