‘We are ready to be back on the field’

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The Thomas-Fay-Custer Lady Terriers softball team is ready to open the 2020 softball season, which begins in less than a week.

“We are ready to be back on the field,” coach Lianna Mueller said. “Everyone is excited to begin the season and we are all just excited.”

Mueller said she is going to be playing girls in different positions since they lost some seniors last season.

“We have to make some adjustments,” Mueller said. “I am excited to see how this new group of juniors and seniors step up and play.”

Thomas only has two seniors on the roster in Katelyn Jones and Abby Payne and they are both infielders.

“They always are encouraging their teammates,” Mueller said. “They cheer everyone on and bring a positive environment to our team.”

Mueller said practice has been a great turnout and they have good timemanagement.

“The girls have been really good about being on time to practice and being on time to workouts,” Mueller said. “When we workout, we lift weights and have had a good turnout. I am excited because I am seeing the dedication these high school girls put into preseason practice.”

Jones said she is just glad they are allowed to have a season and is ready to get back to playing softball.

“I am excited and thankful,” Jones said. “I am grateful the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association is letting softball continue and I hope we all have a safe and healthy season.”

Kaylee Yoder is the starting pitcher and Mueller said the girls learned what they are capable of last season.

“They know what their abilities are,” Mueller said. “They have experience and we should have an advantage this season and the players are ready to go.

Jones said she ensures all teammates maintain positive attitudes during practice and she makes playing softball fun for everyone.

“When softball is not fun, it is not fun to practice or play,” Jones said. “We maintain good attitudes and try to have fun. I want to be a leader and show the underclassman how you can have fun and practice at the same time.”

Payne said a way they can accomplish this is to always be there for the underclassmen and hang out with them off the field.

“We make sure to bond with the team,” Payne said. “We all get along and hang out a lot, which is good.”

Payne said practice for the players has gone really well.

“We have been practicing and putting good work in,” Payne said. “We work really hard and we get along really well as a team. It can be hard at times, but we overcome it by working hard and knowing it will pay off once the season begins.”

If a player tests positive for COVID-19 and has to quarantine while the season is happening, Mueller said she expects her players to keep putting work in, if they are healthy and cleared to do so.

“When a player is healthy, but still has to quarantine due to COVID-19, I expect them to put work in at home,” Mueller said. “Whether it is playing catch or hitting off a tee. I hope this does not have to happen. If a game gets canceled due to teams not having enough players due to COVID-19 and it is safe, we will continue to practice if we are allowed to.”

Thomas opens up its season, 4:30 p.m. August 10 at home against Seiling.