Vina hopes experience will prevail

Head coach Jonathan Jones said he is looking forward to getting this softball season started at Vina. He said he hopes experience will trump numbers as the season progresses.

“We are short on numbers,” said Jones. “We will have to make up for that in that they are all key players with a lot of experience on the diamond.”

Vina returns six seniors as Jones heads into his fourth year as the head softball coach at Vina High School.

“Everyone kind of knows what to expect,” Jones said. “Even though we are short in numbers, I believe we have the foundation to have a successful season.”

Jones said the biggest obstacle facing his team is developing a belief that they can make things happen. “We need to improve our confidence as a whole,” said Jones. “The most specific area of improvement for us needs to be our baserunning. We have to be smart on the bases and not give up easy outs.”

Vina returns two seniors, who Jones said he hopes will anchor the team from a leadership perspective.

“I believe our seniors are learning how to lead in the right way,” Jones pointed out. “Our junior class is strong as well.”

Jones said he wants to see all-around focus to get his team headed in the right direction. “We must minimize walks from the pitcher position. We need to be aggressive at the plate and on the base paths.”

Vina is in Class 1A, Area 14, with Belgreen, Hackleburg and Phillips.

VINA VARSITY SOFTBALL ROSTER

No. Name Grade

00 Aimee Shotts Freshman

1 Kaitlyn Athyey Junior

2 Colbie Agee Seventh

4 Harleigh Ridge Eighth

5 Sara Harper Freshman

6 Shelby Millem Junior

9 Caitryn Triplett Seventh

10 Matti Kirk Senior

12 Mikala Mitchell Sophomore