The Maiden softball team will face its first real action of the season on Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. in Crane.
The move to District 4-4A doesn’t phase Coach Carol Vaughn. She looks at it as business as usual.
“Softball has always been blessed with a competitive district,” Vaughn said. “This year is no different.”
The Maidens made it to the area round in 2012 after a third place district finish, falling to region semifinalist Cooper who appears to present the toughest challenge with five returning first team all-district selections from last year’s 2-3A All-District team. The Maidens finished with a 16-17-1 record (2-6 in district).
The Lady Pirate threat doesn’t need to interfere with how the Maidens play the game according to last year’s all-district offensive MVP senior pitcher Kristi Moralez.
“We just need to play the game,” Moralez said. “We don’t need to worry about the name Cooper.”
The Maidens also bring back newcomer of the year sophomore catcher Susan Reimer, first team selection junior fielder Maribel Mendoza, second team selections senior second baseman Rebecca Villarreal, sophomore fielder Eva Reimer and senior short stop Judy Lopez, along with a handful of other veterans plus experience from last year’s JV.
“Maiden softball plans to pick up where it left off,” Vaughn said. “Our goal is to continue a high level of play.”
Eva Reimer said that the district might be tough, but the Maidens had the capacity to excel.
“It will be difficult,” Reimer said. “We are good enough to win district.”
Coach Vaughn knows as well as Moralez that they are a tough matchup for teams this year.
“We have improved greatly,” Moralez said. “We can be tough for anyone who plays us.”
The Maidens saw their first action in scrimmages against Frenship and Monahans so far and will host Midland Lee and Lubbock Coronado in a dual scrimmage tomorrow.
