Weatherford softball season in review

An up-and-down season ended on an up note for the Weatherford College softball team. The Coyotes, who struggled at times in the regular season, came on strong in the Region V-North Tournament to end the campaign with a 27-23 record.

The Coyotes ended the regular season with a 24-21 overall record and were 15-17 in the Northern Texas Junior College Athletic Conference. They then lost a marathon 13-inning game to open the regional tournament, which the Coyotes hosted, 4-3 to North Central Texas College, giving them three losses in four games.

That was followed, however, by three consecutive victories in which they outscored their opponents 22-1 to advance to the semifinals of the tournament. The Coyotes defeated, in order, Ranger 8-0, Vernon 6-0 and Grayson 8-1.

The season ended with a 3-1 loss to Temple, but not before coach Haylee Williams’ team proved itself to be one of the top three teams in the tournament.

“We peaked at the right time and played our best softball in late April and in the tournament which is the goal every season,” Williams said. “I am so proud of our tournament performance. Everything we had been trying to get out of this group all year came to pass at the tournament. We executed on fundamentals, played great defense, pitched well, and manufactured runs. Our energy and passion were unmatched, and the girls played their hearts out and left everything out on the field.”

Now comes the task of preparing for the next season and working to continue the contending trend that folks have come to associate with the Coyotes. This season the roster was split pretty much down the middle for freshmen and sophomores. Third-year sophomore catcher Haylee Villarreal brought invaluable experience, leadership, and energy from her years at WC.

Also, Williams said utility player Lencia Powell should be returning as a third-year sophomore next season.

“She has improved her skill set tremendously and you can’t replace her kind of motor and contagious energy she brings at the shortstop position,” Williams said, noting the team will also be returning pitchers Teoni Lamb and Chloe Sales.

“We are excited to bring their experience back to the circle for us,” Williams said.

Other expected returners are pitcher Amelia Hatthorn, utility player Annabelle Guay, outfielder Carter Smith, outfielder Darlene Montoya, infielder Jeanette Rios, catcher Charlee Horton, and outfielder Corigan Beaird.

“I am excited about the group we are bringing back and the players we have coming in. I am ready for a break, but I will be extremely excited to get back to it when the team returns in August,” Williams said.