The girls’ track team was the state runner-up in 2007 and most of the upper class female athletes chose to concentrate on track again this year rather than softball. When registration for softball began, only underclassman and middle school girls declared their interest.

Over 20 girls began the season with Coaches Andrew Monceaux and James Beck. By the end of the first week there were 11, of which only nine were eligible to play. “Many of the girls had never played softball, which was evident when one player asked ‘What’s an inning?’” muses Coach Monceaux.

Parent Naomi McCoy says, “As parents, we knew we were in for the long haul.” Those long hauls have included trips to East Beauregard, Oberlin, Oakdale, South Cameron and Merryville with only one win to show for the season. “Many of these schools have teams whose girls have been together since first grade,” says McCoy. “They know each other well and have confidence in each other.”

With four sophomores, two freshmen, and five eighth graders, the “junior varsity” team that has faced more experienced and mature teams has managed to face the challenges without complaining or making excuses, according to Coach Beck. “We’ve watched them improve with time, practice and games,” he says. “After every game, they shake their opponent’s hands, ask if they can pray together and they walk off the field with a smile and heads held high.”

Sophomore pitcher, Elizabeth Courmier, agrees that the girls have been able to hold their heads high. “People down us for losing,” she says, “but they don’t realize how young we are.”

McCoy believes that determination is a key factor for this young team. “These girls have the determination to face their opponent, the drive to become better players, and faith in each other, and in God, that they will grow into better players and a stronger team,” she says adding, “They give us a wonderful example of true sportsmanship.” Courmier says that the team motto is, “It’s not how good you are, it’s how bad you want it.”

As underclassmen, the term “next year” has significance for them. Several transfer students who had to sit out this year will also be eligible to play next spring and Courmier is optimistic that things will come together for the Lady Warriors. “We won’t be young and inexperienced forever,” she says.