The HHS Girls’ softball season began with a strong win against Garfield High School, with a score of 15-0. The girls hustled on and off the field because they knew all their practices and scrimmages prepared them for this day. Their efforts allowed them to play both strong defense and offense. Each girl had contributed to the game in different ways whether it was hitting, fielding or just supporting the team from the dugout.
On and off the field the players all work together as a team and get along well. This year the team really gelled well with each other and built different forms of communication and trust. They got to know each other more as individuals and players so this allowed them to become confident in the team.
Coach Ed “Mook” Iannacone believes the best thing a player can do is follow his instructions and play smart. He constantly reminds his players that in games “you do not always have to hit a homerun” because even the smallest hit can change the direction of a game. This is just an example of how important it is. So far the girls have played a total of 9 games with 6 wins and 3 losses. Instead of letting these losses bring the team down, everyone helps pick each other up so the next game they can do better. The losses are seen as a lesson to them of what they should and should not do. This helps each player grow and become better throughout the season.
A few players were asked questions just to get more inside information on the team and how the season is going so far. Karlie Stier believes that last year’s season is going to be tough to top. The underclassmen have great potential and Stier wants to finish out her senior year strong.
Lauren Iannacone feels that the season is going very well. She thinks the team should not allow little mistakes to define them. She states that hitting is improving with each and every new pitcher they face. Iannacone believes “the team earned their spot as sixth in the county’s seed.”