Yarbrough encouraged about next year
From our weekly issue dated May 12, 2010
Kayla Young was the starting pitcher in the second game against Henley on Saturday, May 8. (IVN photo)
Nearing the end of what has been a tumultuous season, the Illinois Valley High School varsity softball team still stands tall.
A coaching change a few weeks into the spring schedule required a series of adjustments for the entire team. And that complicated efforts to assemble a winning record.
On Tuesday, May 4, the Lady Cougars traveled to Phoenix to take on the Pirates, and lost 15-1.
A double-header hosting the Henley Hornets was played Saturday, May 8 in Cave Junction. Although coach Ray Yarbrough said that the squad demonstrated more effort than in the Phoenix game, it still lost both games by wide margins.
Scores were 16-0, 21-0.
Yarbrough credits the Hornet team for its ability to put runs on the scoreboard.
“They played well and hit the ball perfectly,“ he said, adding. “It“s rare to see a softball or baseball team hit as well as they did, in terms of accuracy.“
He noted that I.V. “made a few mistakes that probably hurt the score.“
The team will end its season Saturday, May 15 hosting the Hidden Valley Mustangs. Both Cougar seniors, Kayla Young and Brieana Andrews, will be honored at the game.
On the bright side, much of the team“s roster this year consisted of younger players who will be eligible to return for future seasons.
“A lot of sophomores and a lot of freshman got quality playing time this year,“ Yarbrough said.
Also encouraging to Yarbrough is the fact that Illinois Valley will drop next year from its current 4-A classification to 3-A, where it will compete with similarly sized schools.
“I“m really excited about what the team will be able to do as we move into a league that is a little more balanced for us and as the girls get older and get more experience,“ Yarbrough said.
Coaching softball presented some new challenges to him, as he typically coaches football. But he said that he feels more confident in his knowledge of the game, and will be ready for the 2010-11 season.
“I learned so much about the game of softball,“ Yarbrough said. “I had no idea how much different it truly is, even than the game of baseball.“
Because of all that, he said earnestly, “The future looks pretty good.“
We want to hear from you!
Add your thoughts with the link below.
Comments returning soon!
Advertisement:
