Lady Griz softball team off to good start, playing like a team
By Matthew Neal
Argus Observer
Friday, March 21, 2008 11:53 AM PDT
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| Argus Observer file photo
The Fruitland softball team has been getting down and dirty early this season, opening the 2008 campaign with a 4-2 record. The Lady Griz have high expectations this season. |
FRUITLAND — Fruitland softball players look to have a strong roster this season with seven returning players and four that are new to the team.
Returning from last year, the Grizzlies will showcase Bailey Olson at first base,
Reba Daws at second base, Shelby Zamora at the hot corner, Tara Hutchinson pitching, Megan Rule at shortstop, Alisha Phillips in the outfield and Kayla Williams at first base.
New additions include Stephanie Rule, Jarica Matarano, Deanna Edwards and Tosha Janson.
Head coach Hank Nawahine said, he was most pleased with their ability to play together, collectively as a team last year.
“I want them to be the best they can be. It is not about winning or losing. It is about how they play the game,” Nawahine said. “For them to be the best they can be. They can do that by being prepared.”
This year, Nawahine’s main theme for his squad is ‘ohana.’
“Where I come from ohana simply means family,” Nawahine said. “If they can enhance that ‘ohana’ feeling as a team, then that will set the precedence for us this year.”
Nawahine believes that his family philosophy will help them join together cohesively as a group and play better ball.
“We want to be playing at a consistent level and work together to stay at that level.”
Of course the goal for every team is to make it as far as it can, and for the Lady Griz, that goal is no different.
“They believe in team goals. They talk about going as far as they can and it’s good for them to talk about it but the only way to get there is to work hard as a team,” Nawahine said.
This group is off to a good start with a record of 4-2.
After yesterday’s 12-3 commanding performance against Homedale, Fruitland will go on break until April 1 when they will square up against the Weiser Wolverines at Fruitland.
