Softball season starts strong

Story by Madi Zick, Multimedia Editor

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   The 2018 season ended with a 25-24 record for the Lady Raiders softball team. With six returning sophomores and 11 freshmen for the upcoming season, the bases are loaded and the 2019 Lady Raiders are primed to hit a grand slam.
    Head Coach Nickie Madden is ready for the team to leave it all on the field this season. The team is currently in preseason, which consists of two-a-days, where the girls practice twice a day. Madden explained the team works a lot on strength and conditioning in the weight room, while also working in the cages on hitting and pitching.
     With 11 freshmen, there can be worries about the chemistry of a new team, but Madden is ready for the challenge.
    “We will have several freshmen in some key positions, so we are young in that regard, but we are very talented, so the sky’s the limit,” Madden exclaimed.
   Sophomore Kylie Stubbs is more than excited for this upcoming season. Stubbs explained this is a new year, a new team and once the team clicks, they will be unstoppable.
   Coach Madden and assistant Coach Randee Milam have helped push Stubbs into being the best player, student and person she can be. She explained that in order to be a part of this team you have to be dedicated to deal with conditioning, scrimmages and practices, with morning and afternoon sessions.
   “This team has no boundaries...there will be nothing we can’t accomplish together... I think this could be one of the best teams Rose State has had” Stubbs said.
   Stubbs is excited to see what the team can accomplish and envisions a better team record, individual statistics for all players and a fun season. The team is loaded and positions are won and lost daily.
   Stubbs encourages everyone to come out and support the Lady Raider’s this season. The schedule can be found at rscraiders. com. The first scrimmage is at Rose State on Feb. 5 against the OCU Stars. Come out and cheer on the Lady Raiders!