Clarke Central High School sophomore Lauren Brown slides into home base in a varsity softball game against Elbert County High School at CCHS on Sept. 3. Brown believes preparation for the upcoming region matches will be crucial due to the competitions’ skill level.“(Region will definitely be) a challenge because defense wise, (the other teams) are very strong,” Brown said. “They’re like a professional softball team, (so) we really have to up our game on their pitcher, and our offense really needs to be the strongest it can be.” Photo by Luna Reichert
The Clarke Central High School softball team has begun preparation for their upcoming competitions at the regional level.
The Clarke Central High School softball team has commenced training for the approaching region competitions at Walnut Grove High School that will be held at 4 p.m. on Oct. 1. The rest of the regional schedule will be determined by the results of this match.
CCHS head Softball Coach Alex Holmes believes that the girls’ competitive schedule thus far in the season has prepared them for the upcoming games and can be used as a source of encouragement.
“The good news is we’re playing such tough competition inside our region. It’s tough to play tough teams because you might lose some games here and there, but it’s also good because it’s preparing you for the teams you’re going to play at (the state level),” Holmes said. “Buford, Loganville and Walnut Grove (are) the three teams that we’re having to compete against in the region. They’re all three traditionally (in the) top 10 teams in the state. So that’s been my biggest motivation for the rest of the regular season, anyway,” Holmes said.
CCHS sophomore Lauren Brown has been involved in the softball program for three years. Brown hopes to not only develop athletic strength within these competitions but also an improved mentality.
“(I want to walk out of the game with) a better mindset. Take our losses as, ‘This we need to work harder against the team, like what do we do that we struggle with,’ and just build that up,” Brown said. “(Take) our wins as another win and we just keep working hard. Don’t let it go soft.”
While Holmes admits the competition is advanced, he hopes the girls will use the games as motivation, despite win or loss.
“That’s the toughest thing going into a game against Buford (High School), who’s won, I can’t remember how many state championships at this point, and Walnut Grove (High School), who just played in the state championship round a couple years ago, and then Loganville (High School) who consistently (is) in the top 18,” Holmes said. “You just want to try to learn as much as you can from it and compete. That’s what, as a coach, I’m trying to teach (the team)– just to go out and try your hardest. Those kind of games are not wins as far as wins and losses go, but they’re wins as far as motivation.”
