MOORE — Despite losing six starters from last year’s slowpitch state championship team, Westmoore has gotten off to another strong start. After beating Norman 15-3 Monday, the Jaguars moved 4-0 on the season and are ranked No. 2 in the state.
“Obviously expectations are still high,” Westmoore coach Steve Schwarz said. “Our goal is to win state. We have still have Patty Padget and Mariah Peace coming back. Great two seniors to build around.”
In their four victories, the jags have outscored their opponents 60-7. They have done that despite a young group of players getting their first taste of varsity starters.
“We will probably start around five sophomores, sometimes six,” Schwarz said. “Very good class, but young and tiny. They are going to be all right. They just need more practice and if they do what they do whenthey’re supposed to do, we will be right there.”
While most of the team is young, Westmoore core pieces are seniors Padgett and Peace. And regardless of the number of new starters, they plan to end their prep careers on a high note.
“Expectation is to be just as good as we were last year,” Padgett said. “To be proud of what you do. On the field and off the field. We have to fill the holes we lost last year. Losing six starters was hard. But I think we will be able to do it again.”
As a junior, Padgett belted 27 homers and knocked in 92 RBIs. She is looking to add to these numbers this season. Padgett informed her coach she wants hit at least 35 homer runs this season.
But Schwarz said its the other areas that make her such a strong player.
“I just think her love of the game,” Schwarz said. “She gives it a 100 percent. There are times she can take it out no matter what. But there is a chance she can pop up. So she will get that base hit when we need it. Very team orientated. Not self absorbed.”
Michael Kinney Follow me @eyeamtruth mkinney@mooreamerican.com
