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Lady Cougars determined to be ready
David Gravely, Sports Writer
03-08-2010
The Pulaski County Lady Cougar softball team is gearing up for it's 2010 campaign, but head coach Gina Miano has had to find creative and alternative ways to practice this season as this years heavy snowfall has affected most teams in the area.
"I don't know if we have time to teach the girls to ski and hit at the same time, but if things don't clear up soon that may be the only way we get on the field," said Miano. "The bad weather is killing us. There were three days last week that we could have practiced on the field because the temperatures were great, but the field is still under six inches of snow. Once that melts away, the infield will begin to thaw and all that thawing brings water up to the surface and it is all wet again until that dries through the dirt. At this point, we have no idea when we will get on our field, or any field for that matter."
Miano and her Lady Cougars are not the only team affected by the snow, and it is still unclear how the schools will be able to handle the issue. Removing the snow would cause a muddy mess, and most likely cause more problems than it would cure. Playing on the fields before they are ready would cause problems also, so it looks like it's up to Mother Nature to get things ready.
"I doubt seriously we will even be on a field before we play a game," said Miano. "It is hard to work on strategies, base running and game situations when we are inside but we will just continue to work hard and do the best we can. I do not know of any teams not affected by the weather. Some fields are better than others and some places may have gotten less snow."
Coach Miano and her team have been working hard, however, even though they have been forced inside. The varsity and junior varsity teams held tryouts last week, rotating between the gym at Pulaski County High School and the old Renfro building, which is used by both the softball and the baseball teams for winter and bad weather workouts.
"The off season this year has been phenomenal," stated coach Miano. "We averaged 12- 15 kids coming out every open gym opportunity. This bunch worked very had and their attitudes are just wonderful. This off season physical conditioning will pay for the girls. I am very impressed this year. Most of our kids took physical conditioning in the fall and they are stronger, tougher and less injury prone. We were able to get inside and use our hitting facility, so we were consistent in having a place to work out in the off season."
The tryouts are over now, and the teams have been picked. The Lady Cougars are returning some solid talent, and hope to improve on last seasons disappointing 7-12 (3-8 district) record.
"We're going to be young, but we're going to be athletic," said coach Miano. "Returners Casey Holcomb, Tiffany Alley and Bethany Anderson will all contribute to our team as well as a return transfer player Tori Hale. We have a very strong pitcher returning in Kaitlin Smith. This is the year for Kaitlin to develop and pound some batters. She will need to step up and take over this whole pitching world. We will be strong in the infield and we need our outfield to dominate. We will have alot of new faces out there, but I have a lot of confidence in all of them."
When ask who she saw the River Ridge District favorite being for 2010, coach Miano didn't hesitate. "I expect Salem to be strong with their pitcher, (Ellen) Weaver. She is very fast and accurate."
Taking a look around the district, one could also expect to see Cave Spring and Hidden Valley to be tough. Christiansburg should return most of last years young squad, and could also make some waves around the district as their boys teams have in football and basketball. Blacksburg is finding themselves in a very difficult situation, as they are forced to have an alternate schedule due to the collapse of their gym a few short weeks ago. The Bruins are reporting for school each day at Blacksburg Middle School at 2:30 and taking their classes until around 7 p.m. This may force them to have to practice either early in the mornings before school or later in the evening after school.
"We will be young and inexperienced with the pace of the game, but we are fast and so willing to learn," said coach Miano. "This team can accomplish anything. They are just young enough and cohesive enough to surprise lots of teams! We expect to learn, grow, develop and succeed. These kids are learning every practice and then applying that information to drills. We just need to see the dirt of the field!
“Our goal is to play as one team, together and to make other teams get us out. We are going to run more on the bases and take more risks. We have a great pitcher and we will develop the defense to back her up. Our girls can hit well and run fast, so we are excited to get things underway."
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