Patriots looking forward to the start of the softball season
WEST ISHPEMING — The Lady Patriots spent a lot of time travelling with the boys basketball team on their run to the state quarterfinals. But with the softball season around the corner, they prepare for an exciting season.
The team saw eight seniors graduate from last year’s squad and this year, they’re bringing in nine freshman to help fill that void. Hannah Salmi and Destiny Bullard are the only seniors on the team and Salmi talked about if there is any pressure on her going into her final season.
“I don’t think so. There’s a little bit, with trying to lead and trying to teach, doing the best I can and that Destiny, our other senior can do to try and teach the underclassmen how we do things, how things work and how to play the best as a team,” Salmi said.
“We are bringing back a core of our team which is going to provide of that experience and some leadership and we’re just looking forward to that infusing of the new energy and experience to put together a good team,” said head coach Libbie Nelson.
As with all the other teams, the Patriots are practicing indoors while the weather gets better. And although it required some adjusting, the team is still upbeat about the start of the season.
“It’s a pretty good vibe. We all get together and we get a long well. We work well. Everyone works hard. It’s pretty good,” said Salmi.
“We’re in a better shape than we anticipated with that big graduating class. Overall, we are positive. We’re eager and we’re just ready to hit the dirt and show what kind of Westwood grit we have,” Nelson said.
The Patriots will open the season this Monday at Manistique.