Tigers ready to take next step
Ontario softball team fields experience in 2009
By: Scott Ford
Argus Observer
Tuesday, March 24, 2009 10:43 AM PDT
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| RAY RODRIGUEZ | ARGUS OBSERVER
Ontario second baseman Erika Hopper corrals a ground ball during Saturday’s game against Bishop Kelly. Hopper is one of several returners giving head coach David Hopper high expectations for the 2009 season. |
Ontario—Coming off an 11-13 season in 2008, the Ontario Tigers softball program will field a team with much more experience in 2009.
With returning players like pitcher Jenny Yano, shortstop Kim Boyd, second baseman Erika Hopper, catcher Jordan Barnett and others that saw varsity action last year, Ontario head coach David Hopper is excited about this year’s team.
“Everybody is going to play a big role this year,” Hopper said. “Everyone has a part to play in order for us to get to the playoffs.”
Hopper said either Yano or Boyd will lead off for the Tigers, but after that, it is still up in the air.
Hopper said Yano and Boyd both get the big hits, know how to bunt and run the bases well.
Ontario ended last season in the cellar of the Greater Oregon League with a 3-9 mark.
Joining the returning players are Katie Hendon, Kayla Hendon, Miranda Boursa, Brooke Bergan, Chelsea Stamper and Sierra Gonzalez.
“We’re young, but we’re mature at the same time,“ Hopper said. “The older girls are doing good job of helping the younger ones. They want to do well, perform well and help the team out. We’re expecting big things.”
Hopper’s expectations for this season are for his team to be good base runners and show patience at the plate.
Hopper said he will expect his hitters to go into the batter’s box with a plan and look for that ball they can drive into the gaps.
With his group of newcomers, Hopper said he liked them all.
“Bergan and Boursa are both freshmen, and they both have a lot of natural abilities,“ Hopper said. “Playing up and playing with the older girls, hopefully they can emulate what they are doing. I think once their fundamentals are sound, we are going to be solid. They already have the natural ability.”
The third-year coach said the team will work hard and compete in every game.
“That’s our goal. It’s a big thing,” the veteran head coach said. “I’m not saying we’re going to win everything, but we will work hard and give it our best. We’re out to compete.”
As for the GOL, Hopper said the league is going to be competitive.
Mac-Hi lost four key players, but Hopper said they have solid pitching, as does La Grande and Baker.
