The New Hope High School fast-pitch softball team wants to continue its climb.
Coach Tabitha Beard has watched the past few weeks as the Lady Trojans have hit their stride at the plate and have had solid pitching and defensive efforts.
After a week off thanks to a bye for winning its division, New Hope (21-3-1) will return to the field at 5 p.m. today when it takes on Pearl in game one of the best-of-three Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 5A North State playoff series. Game two will be at 2 p.m. Saturday in Columbus, followed by an if-needed game.
Beard feels her team is ready after it has been eliminated in the second round the past three years. She said the team has discussed those results and how it needs to “raise the bar” and take the next step.
“I think we feel we are in a good place and have a good opportunity,” Beard said.
“Two of those three (eliminations) have been by the team that went on to win. All of them have been in three-game series. They all have been close. We have worked a lot on mental toughness. What do we have to do to stay into this game? What do we have to do to be ready the same way?
“We have worked a lot on little situations. We have been in three extra-inning situations. One of them ended in a tie, but to end in a tie is better than giving it up. We have worked a lot on the little things — like coverages — that have killed us along the way. They have nicknamed themselves ‘Team shut it down’ this year during playoffs. We hope this year it proves true.”
Senior Anna McCrary hopes that’s the case, too. McCrary has been a key part of New Hope’s tradition-rich slow-pitch softball program that has garnered 14 state titles, including five in a row. A fast-pitch title has eluded the Lady Trojans, though, but they hope this year will be different. Losses to Newton County, St. Patrick’s, and West Lauderdale (a tie to Wayne County) are the only blemishes on the record.
“I think we have grown a lot this year and come a long way,” McCrary said. “We have been undefeated all district season. We know we have to take every step to get there. We’re itching to get there.”
McCrary, who has moved over to play center field this season, said the Lady Trojan also have improved their teamwork and communication. She said it has been a “big step up” for her playing center field, and that she is doing her best to set an example and to allow younger players like Ashley Reed and R.J. James to figure things out.
It helps defenses make those adjustments when they have pitchers like Lauren Holifield and D.J. Sanders in the circle.
“I would put those two up against anybody in the state,” Beard said. “I feel like they are two of the best in the state. I haven’t seen anyone better than them. They do a very good job of being mentally tough on the mound and keeping us into a game.”
The right-handers figure to give New Hope a chance against any team provided the Lady Trojans field the ball up to their standards and get a few timely hits.
“D.J. and Lauren have both stepped up,” McCrary said. “Our batting lineup from top to bottom and our field from pitcher to catcher have gotten a lot better. … We have done a lot better, especially since the beginning of the season when we were making five errors a game.”
Beard said those days thankfully are gone. She said pitching and defense have become constants and the team has received a lift from a lineup that includes six consistent contributors.
“All six of those batters are doing positive things every game, which is what we have to do,” Beard said. “Our bottom is working really hard, which is where we need to be, and we will keep working.”
Adam Minichino is the former Sports Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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