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Diane Stamm | Johnson Publications
Sadie Peterson finished the season with a .350 batting average, the best on the Chase County team.

Softball coach highlights senior leadership on 2020 team

It was a fast and furious season for the Chase County softball team, according to Head Coach Denise Smith. With a zero in the win column, Smith said it was a hard and frustrating season, as well.
Overall, the girls worked together, got along well, did the best they could, Smith said, adding that the team never stopped competing.
“They kept trying to get better with each practice and game,” she said, adding with the COVID virus affecting many of the fall sports seasons, the fact that CCS was able to even have a season and spend that time together as a group and team were special all by itself.
“We came out of four months of not being able to do much, then have two months together working towards improving our skills, and just being around each other was something we should be grateful for,” Smith said.
The team was led by a group of six seniors, Ashlie Benge, Morayah Cupp, Dai Medina, Courtney Odens, Sadie Peterson and Ryley Vrbas.
“As a group, these seniors were determined to not only own their spots, but promote positive communication between teammates at all times, no matter what was going on,” Smith said.
“They were a group of girls that had fun, and laid back personalities that will help them not only accomplish things, but get them through tough times as well. They will be missed by their coaches and teammates,” she said.
The seniors have taken on important roles over the four years in the program, and Smith had a long list of compliments for the group, from effort to positive attitude and communication.
“Over the years they may have had to take on other positions to fill in and they were willing to adjust or adapt for the improvement of the team,” Smith said.
“With each year, they became more confident in their ability to make the play. Their leadership showed by them becoming more encouraging to their teammates when they struggled. Their experience, communication and good attitudes were assets to the team,” she said.
Peterson led Chase County with a .350 batting average. Vrbas was close behind with a .340 average. The pair, plus classmates Cupp and Odens, led the Lady Longhorns in hits. Cupp knocked in a team high 12 RBIs.
The team included two juniors, Ella O’Neil and Markenna Terryberry.
“Both Ella and Markenna were playing positions and roles on the team that will be key in maintaining a positive and encouraging atmosphere,” Smith said.
“Both are capable of handling their softball responsibilities and being positive leaders for the rest of the team. They were both quite busy, but the experience will help them in the future,” she said.
Smith complimented her seven sophomores, Alejandra Castillo, Kayla Chavira, Aurora Griebel, Jaiden Hill, Annika McDaniel, Krista Meeske and Jesusita Ruiz, saying it’s a good bunch of girls who got along well.
The group’s effort to improve showed.

 

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