The softball team has been working hard in preparation for state and regionals in May in hopes for a third state win in a row.

Besides working on the fundamentals of playing softball, this year the team is focusing on getting to know each other better as well as learning how to play together as a team and communicate effectively throughout the game.

Abby Allen, junior, said, “This year we need to work extra hard since we lost 11 seniors last year. We need to improve on our chemistry when we play together since we are a new team.” At state in 2015, they beat Olathe Northwest 7-3 and in 2016 beat Washburn 10-3, along with beating Olathe East and Olathe North. As of April 7, the team is 5-0, after beating Shawnee Mission Northwest and Leavenworth 15-0 in three innings and Lawrence 8-5.

On April 6, they beat Olathe North, 5-1. They also beat Shawnee Mission South on March 31 at ODAC, 29-0.

Other than another state win, the goals for the team are to improve each week and work hard at every practice.

Mike Allen, head coach, said, “In order to be successful, we have to improve on our fundamentals like hitting, fielding, throwing, footwork, agility, etc. When these get stronger, we’ll get stronger as a team.”

Their Sunflower varsity tournament is on April 20 and 21, at the Shawnee Mission softball complex. Regionals will be on May 15-18 and state will be on May 25 and 26.

Abby Allen, said, “My favorite part about going to state is being with all my teammates and having adrenaline when we play good teams.”