By Chris Parker
Conway softball will be looking to make the most of the 2021 season after losing the 2020 spring season.
“We have tried to get in as much work as possible. The girls played some games over the summer, but losing a complete season for a spring only team is really devastating to a program. By the first game this year, it will be almost two years since we have played a meaningful game. These athletes are resilient though and they seem more determined than ever to make this season a meaningful one for them. They are eager to get back on the field,” Conway head coach Ben Phillips said. “It has completely reset our program. My first year at Conway was the lost 2020 season so a little summer stuff and the practices last march is the only time we have had together. We have almost 30 athletes coming out this year so we are looking forward to the renewed enthusiasm.”
Senior Reagan Dame will be Conway’s leader.
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“Reagan is our only senior that has played softball every year in high school and junior high. She has been a catcher her entire career, but this year she is going to help us out pitching. She is our best hitter and is willing to do whatever she needs to help the team,” Phillips said.
Freshman Trista Simpson will also be in the mix to pitch. Sophomore Emily Twyman will catch most of the games with Dame also seeing time at catcher.
“Our strengths will be our youth and our hitting. We should be able to put up runs and we have a bunch of girls that are excited about playing so I am hoping the enthusiasm for the game catches with everyone,” Phillips said. “We need to find that pitcher that can consistently throw strikes and put our defense in position to help her out. If we can limit the runs allowed, we should be able to score enough runs to win games.”
Conway opens the season Mar. 19-20 with the Summit Conference tournament.
“My expectations for the team are to just get all of the athletes out, have fun, and complete a season,” Phillips said. “It can’t be said enough losing an entire season due to COVID can ruin a program that’s trying to be rebuild so we need to make sure the athletes we have find some success and have fun to continue building the program.”
