Leadership, focus are keys for Lady Raiders

The Heber Springs game is always big for us. It’s at our place this year.” BECKY VINES RIVERVIEW SOFTBALL HEAD COACH

After a rough year when the Lady Raiders ended the 2017 season with a 5-17 overall record, coach Becky Vines is looking forward to 2018, with expectations to improve and foster a cohesive team. “We hope to have a better team chemistry and work ethic,” she said. “We lost our focus a little off the field last year. We have some great team leaders this year who are focused on keeping us on track. I’m looking forward to seeing this new group take the field and set us up for a great season.” The team is fairly young with no senior returners, but Vines is confident in the team’s abilities.

At the plate, sophomore Parker Smith and junior Alexis Foster are expected to lead. “Parker Smith hit well last year. She is a smart batter who has a high slugging percentage,” Vines said. “Alexis Foster hits hard every time. She led the team in doubles last year.” Those two may hit well, but freshman Micah Lawson can get around the bases. “Micah Lawson is a fabulous base runner,” Vines said. “Her footwork gets her around the infield with great efficiency.” The Lady Raiders will have dual pitchers again this year — Lawson and Foster — and junior McKenzie Holt is moving from third to catcher. “She has excellent eyes and hands,” Vines said of Holt. “She is our team voice and sees the field better than anyone.” The March 29 game against Heber Springs will be one to watch for the Lady Raiders, the coach said. “The Heber Springs game is always big for us,” Vines said. “It’s at our place this year.”