Archives > Sports Update
Print
E-mail
Comment
Rate
RSS
Share
Searching for a turning point: Lionettes battle through rough start
By Richard C. White, rwhite@starlocalnews.com
The McKinney softball team is using this game-free weekend to regroup as the Lionettes prepare for the heart of their district schedule.
"This is not quite the start that we expected," said Terry Drain, McKinney head coach. "It's going a little slower than we thought. We've been in some games we felt we should have pulled out. It's just one of those things. It's a learning process we have to work through."
McKinney is 2-12-3 on the year and 0-2 in District 10-5A. This rocky first half of the season has served as a valuable learning experience for the Lionettes.
Although the games may not have gone McKinney's way, Drain said he's never questioned his team's resolve.
"They're naturally hungry," he said. "There's no doubt they want to win. We got the effort. It's just certain situations that have snowballed into a larger effect. The effort is always there. I've never questioned their effort or their passion."
Drain said one of McKinney's strengths has been its senior leadership and the collective team-first mindset every player shares.
"We lean on our experienced players, the seniors that we have," he said. "Our team learns from them and works well together. There's a difference between a group and a team. A team has the same aspirations and goals in mind and does whatever it takes to reach those goals."
One of those senior leaders is first baseman Emily Marrs.
"Emily year in and year out has been a great first baseman for us," Drain said. "She has a great glove."
The double play duo of shortstop Krissy Fontillas and second baseman Jazsmin Nelson have also been reliable for Drain.
"Our two middle infielders Krissy and Jazsmin are great defensively," he said. "We know they'll make the play when there's anything hit up the middle. I'm comfortable with them out in the field with what they can do."
Center fielder Courtney Derrick is McKinney's anchor in the outfield.
"Courtney defensively is where she needs to be," Drain said. "She's always in the right place. There's never a question of what's going to happen out on the field when she's out there. And in the box she's lights out as well. She's come on great lately."
As for McKinney's presence in the circle, pitcher Chelsea Thomas brings a dual threat in her ability to dictate the game both from the field and from the batter's box.
"Chelsea may have struggles at the plate, but at anytime she can have that big impact on the game," Drain said. "And she keeps us in the game when she's in the circle."
The Lionettes' start to district may not have gone their way, but the majority of the schedule lies ahead with eight games remaining. McKinney returns to action 7 p.m. Tuesday at home against Plano West.
"We got to find that good mix, a meshing point," Drain said. "Once they figure out who they are and what they can do, it will be a better remainder of the season."
The following are comments from the readers.
In no way do they represent the view of Starlocalnews.com
In no way do they represent the view of Starlocalnews.com
You must register with a valid email to post comments.
Only your Member ID will be posted with the comments.
Only your Member ID will be posted with the comments.
Registered users sign in here:
Become a Registered User
- Return to: Sports Update «
- Home «
- Top of Page ^
