East Webster wants to be more consistent after loss to Houston

MABEN – East Webster head softball coach Lee Berryhill preached on the importance of consistency in their game following Friday’s tough loss to Houston.

After taking an early 3-0 lead in the first inning, Berryhill’s team struggled to hold onto their advantage in the final stages as his team was defeated 7-5.

“We’ve got our girls back from basketball season, and we’re playing well,” Berryhill said, “We’re hitting and playing good defense at times, but sometimes we’re not. We have to get consistent.”

Berryhill believes that although the team has struggled at times it will improve with each practice to come.

“We are capable,” Berryhill said. “It’s just a matter of getting consistent on a day-in, day-out basis.”

One sector of the game that Berryhill hopes will act as an example for the rest of the team is through the relentless effort of the pitching staff.

Despite a tough defensive sixth inning, Jessica Davis managed to pitch a complete game, fighting off many of Houston’s strongest batters in order to obtain several strikeouts for the night.

“Our pitchers have given us a chance in each ball game we’ve played, so if we can just get consistent defensively and offensively, we’ll have a better chance down the road,” Berryhill said.

Another aspect of the Lady Wolverines’ game which is likely to see improvement not only this season, but in those to come as well is the catching game. Starting only her fourth game behind the plate, it’s been a learning experience for freshman Coy Jennings.

“It’s only the fourth time I’ve been back there, but I’m trying to do my job, and do my best,” Jennings said.

Jennings spoke on the transition, stating that the toughest part up to this point has been on when to decide to try and throw out a runner on base when they attempt to steal.

“It’s scary, but I just need to work on it in practice, and I’ll have time to keep working on it in game,” Jennings said.

Despite struggling in the latter stages of Friday’s contest, several East Webster players were able to leave a strong mark on the game, including Jennah Pate, who managed to get on base each time she stepped up to the plate, with one walk and three hits.

Also, Emily Nason hit a RBI double in the first inning to put her team up 2-0 before later stealing home off of a wild pitch to give the Lady Wolverines their early 3-0 lead.

With Friday’s loss, East Webster’s overall record evened up at 4-4, with a rematch due up with division rivals Bruce on Tuesday at 6 p.m. The first meeting resulted in a 17-0 victory by the Lady Wolverines.