MOORE — Moore has started the 2010 fastpitch season likes it always does. After Monday’s 8-0 win over Norman, MHS improved to 4-0 on the season.
The most impressive was a tight 4-3 victory over Carl Albert (2-1) Aug. 13 on the road.
“It was a very intense game the entire time,” Moore coach Stephanie Riley said. “Our offense was very sporadic at the start. Once we got settled down we were able to put a few hits together and we capitalized on their errors. Brianna Nunley threw a good game. She struck out 12 batters, including the last five to end the game.”
The Lions also picked up wins against Lawton Ike and Lawton High. In all, they have outscored their opponents 33-4 in four contests.
But, as Moore heads into the Moore Festival Aug. 27-28, Riley is still looking for improvement from team to get more consistent at bats and for her pitchers to continue to stay focused on the mound.
“Brianna Nunley is a senior pitcher now and she has been in the tough games and she knows what is expected of her for the team to make it to the top,” Riley said. “She will have Chelsea Simpson (soph.) right behind her as our No. 2 pitcher. Hannah Coker (senior) will move from the outfield to be our catcher. She is also our No. 4 hitter. Raegan Sampson is our returning third baseman. She is a catalyst in the middle of our line-up. Caiti Hall (soph.) will return to second base this year and will take over as our leadoff hitter.”
In her second year as the Lions head coach, Riley sees this inexperienced, but talented team going far.
“We worked on our conditioning and our mental toughness for five weeks before we began serious softball, so I expected the team to be able to persevere through the heat,” Riley said. “I have been very pleased with their team unity on and off the field. We may be a young team, but I think the players have a lot to prove to themselves and the coaches. Above everything else, we expect them to bring the heart.”
The Lions will take on Del City Monday before traveling to Westmoore Tuesday.
