The Lady Bison Softball team has been practicing hard both on the field and off the field to prepare for the upcoming season. School shutdowns due to COVID-19 are making it hard for the girls to hold team practices. Varsity softball coach, Mr. Danver gives us some insight about the team, the goals for the season, and some challenges that could occur. These girls are very motivated and take it upon themselves to get the practice they need, says Mr. Danver. He says that this season could be a challenge if shutdowns continue. Further along in the season this could interfere with games.

Mr. Danver explains that he likes to sit down with his players and allow for them to make goals for the team. He states: “I know they have high expectations for themselves this season after making it to the state semi-finals in the last season that we were able to play, two years ago. I believe that their goal will be to surpass that achievement this season.” The team has a lot of experience. They have seven out of nine starters back this year from two years ago when they made it to the state semi-finals. Mr. Danver says while they have an experienced team, they do have some new members this year playing their first season in the bison uniform. The new members include Alaina Fedder, Sam Campolong, Anna Twigg, and Ruby Singleton.

The team was able to welcome back eight varsity letter winners this year. They are Olivia Bender, Alexis Benton, Alexis Bumbarger, Morgan Cheek, Alaina Fedder, Kylee Hertlein, Emma Hipps, and Lauren Ressler. The only senior on the varsity team is Morgan Cheek. There is one senior on the Junior Varsity team: Kendra Billotte. Helping Mr. Danver coach is Harlen Funk who is the assistant and pitching coach. Casey Swatsworth is also assisting with varsity. Junior varsity coach is Nikki Funk. Her assistants are Sandy Bailor and Mike Norris.

The team is scheduled to have a full season of twenty games. Mr. Danver says that because the girls missed out on the 2020 season, they will do everything they can to get all the games in to make sure the girls do not miss any more than they already have. On a positive note, the sport itself has not changed. The only thing they must do is temperature screenings and answer some questions before practice and games. They must socially distance when possible and wear masks when they are able.

“The girls have been working extremely hard over the offseason- they are very anxious and excited to get back out on the field and prove themselves from what they were able to accomplish in the playoffs two years ago, says Mr. Danver.” The schedule for the Lady Bison softball team can be found at this link.