Lady Blues softball prepare for Monday's season-opener

The Lady Blues have begun playing preseason scrimmages with the team completing their fourth scrimmage Monday in preparation for the 2023 softball season. While the team has shown potential with earning nine or more hits in four games, the team has struggled to turn those hits into runs.

Originally scheduled to host Rider and Springtown Saturday, the Lady Blues moved the scrimmages to Graford due to wet field conditions after rain and ice came through the area throughout last week. The team took their home field for their first unofficial game action Monday night against Wylie.

Lady Blues 2, Rider 1

Seven Lady Blues combined for nine hits while Zoey Harrell and Reese Calhoun held Rider to two hits and no earned runs.

The first inning looked like a pitcher’s duel from the start with the Lady Blues and Rider combining for six strikeouts and two hits. Calhoun earned the first hit for the Lady Blues with a one-out single to shortstop. She was left stranded after strikeouts by Meagan Brooks and Harrell.

Tatum Westerman and Rainey Ortegon provided a scoring threat for the Lady Blues with one out in the bottom of the second inning. Westerman hit a one-out single to third base and advanced to second during the next at-bat with a bunt by Ortegon. Ortegon stole second base with Jaysea Rickels at the plate, who eventually struck out. Olga Morales struck out looking, leaving Westerman and Ortegon stranded in scoring position.

The Lady Blues finally found the scoreboard during the bottom of the fourth inning. Brooks hit a one-out triple to left field and was brought home on a double by Harrell. Westerman brought home Harrell with a two-out single to center field. 

Rider scored an unearned run before time expired during the top of the sixth inning.

Springtown 4, Lady Blues 3

The Lady Blues scored during the first inning and added to their lead during the fourth before giving up a three-run fifth inning in the eventual loss.

Brooks gave the Lady Blues the lead with a two-out homerun over center field on a 2-2 pitch. The Lady Blues threatened to score again when Harrell followed with a double and advanced to third on a single by Emily Lawson. Westerman ended the inning when she grounded out to shortstop.

Westerman added a second run for the Lady Blues during the bottom of the fourth inning. After reaching base with a one-out seven-pitch walk, Westerman stole second base during Ortegon’s at-bat. After Ortegon struck out, Rickels doubled to center field, bringing in Westerman for a 2-0 lead. The Lady Blues gave up the lead with three unearned runs during the top of the fifth inning. 

Springtown added to the lead with a triple and an RBI groundout to open the top of the sixth inning to take a 4-2 lead. Brooks hit her second home run of the game over left field leading off in the bottom of the sixth inning. The game ended with a ground out by Rickles.

Wylie 9, Lady Blues 2

Neither Wylie nor the Lady Blues struggled to earn hits as both teams combined for 25 hits Monday night at the Lady Blues softball field.

The Lady Blues gave up runs in the second and fourth innings before cutting the deficit to one run during the bottom of the fourth inning. Harrell led off the bottom of the inning with a double to left field. She was brought home with an RBI triple by Lawson.

Trailing 7-1 during the bottom of the sixth inning, the Lady Blues added a run with two outs. Westerman singled to lead off and Brooks hit a one-out single following a pop-out by Calhoun. Westerman and Brooks advanced on a wild Ball 2 to Harrell, who eventually lined out at second base. Lawson’s two-out single brought in Westerman for the Lady Blues’ final run of the game. Wylie added a pair of runs during the top of the seventh inning. 

While the games are scrimmages and do not officially count, the Lady Blues have shown an ability to get on base as the team prepares for the season. Eight different Lady Blues are hitting .300 or better through four scrimmages, led by Tatum Westerman who has six hits in eight at-bats. The Lady Blues have combined for 11 extra-base hits, including seven doubles and two triples. 

The Lady Blues have one final pair of scrimmages before opening the season Monday at home against City View. The team will host Jacksboro and Comanche Saturday at the Lady Blues’ softball field. The season officially begins Monday, Feb. 13 with the junior varsity starting at 4 p.m., followed by varsity at 6 p.m.