Trojan softball has building year ahead

With a roster of about 15 players, none of them seniors and almost half of them returning from last season, the Troy High School softball team is preparing for a building season this year.

Head Coach Keith Haggerty said the team even as it sits compares favorably to previous years.

“It’s pretty early right now. We’re still assessing, but we definitely have a group of hard workers,” he said. “Last year’s players really put in a lot of extra time through the off season, so they’re definitely going to be contributing quite a bit this year.”

That includes the team’s sophomore players, who took advantage of the offseason to improve on their games, Haggerty said.

“This year’s sophomores have all really stepped up, and they’re all really good examples for everyone else that’s playing,” Haggerty said. “They’ve done a lot of work on their hitting mostly, and just a lot of the mental aspects of the game.”

Though the team has no seniors, the most senior players are stepping up as well, he said.

Haggerty is looking to two players in particular, juniors Tristan Winebark and Kaylee Tunison, to be leaders on and off the field.

“They lead by example with their really good work ethic,” he said.

The Trojans are scheduled to play their first game of the season at Bonners Ferry, Tuesday, March 27 at 6 p.m.

Their first home game will be March 29 at 5 p.m. versus Priest River.