The Lancaster High School softball team had a rough start but turned it around quickly. With 19 wins and 7 losses, the team had a 14-game winning streak and won second place in the Ohio Capital Conference – Buckeye Division. Last year, the Lady Gales made history and by making it to the state final four. Their new goal this season is to win the state championship as they head into tournament play next week.
Head coach Kinniard said that the team will continue to work hard to win.
“The expectations at Lancaster for this program will remain high and we will do what we need to compete at that level. I think this team gets along great and we have great chemistry. We have a good mix of seniors, juniors, sophomores and freshmen and you would never know it being in our dugout. Everyone gets along and has a great time,” said Kinniard.
Assistant coach Chris Zaker describes what can happen if the team continues on the track they are heading.
“I truly believe that this team now can make it back to the state final four. I consider that a massive accomplishment because before a team can do that they must believe they can do that! We believe!” said Zaker.
LHS senior Kendall Brown said that although their record reflects success, the team has experienced challenges, too.
“I think the most challenging part was balancing all the pressure and emotions that come with senior year while still competing every day. As a team, we had to learn how to push through tough losses and stay positive even when things didn’t go our way. We really had to rely on each other and stay together through everything,” said Brown.
LHS senior Lana Prince said that the team had to really work together to accomplish their success.
“This softball season my team has definitely went through some hardships especially in the beginning of the season. We graduated a lot of seniors last year so there were many new players. As time went on we learned how to play as a team and began to bond more on the field and off. Which has led to our success in previous games,” said Prince.
As the season is coming to an end some senior players reflected on their high school athletic careers. Brown is the only senior continuing her softball career after high school and she will play for the University of Miami of Ohio.
“I’ll always remember the friendships and little moments the most. The laughs at practice, cheering each other on, inside jokes, bus rides, and just being around the team every day are things I’ll never forget. Softball gives me memories and friendships that will last way longer than the games themselves,” said Brown.
Prince echoed Brown’s feelings and said that she has formed strong relationships and made many special memories in softball.
“I will miss the little things we do together. Like lifting, our convos in the outfield, Kendall and Hannah dancing before games, Hailey doing my hair on game days, and my teammates rage baiting every team. Softball has always been with me but I think the team makes the difference in how we perceive our experiences. I will miss this team and the sport but I know there is more in life waiting for me,” said Prince.
Gales fans can follow the team into the final games by visiting the LHS athletic department’s website, lancastergales.com or go to Game Changer at gc.com where the team has live videos of the games.
