Lady Tigers navigate pitching adjustments in opening scrimmage
Tahlequah’s softball team secured a 6-2 victory over EHS in five-inning varsity play, though hitting timing required adaptation against varied velocities.
The Tahlequah Lady Tigers softball team commenced their pre-season preparations on Thursday, 23 July, with opening scrimmages against Eufaula and EHS. Head coach Chris Ray utilised the sessions to evaluate roster depth and pitching composure, noting that while the team secured a 6-2 victory in the five-inning varsity portion against EHS, several tactical adjustments remain necessary before the competitive season begins.
In softball, hitting timing typically develops later in the season than pitching and fielding. Ray observed that the Lady Tigers made positive contact against Eufaula’s ace pitcher but struggled to adjust when a second pitcher with slower velocity and east-to-west movement entered the game. The coach noted that the batters became anxious and lost their timing, a reaction he expects to refine as the squad adapts to varying pitching looks.
The Lady Tigers are currently rebuilding their pitching rotation following the departure of their top two pitchers from the previous season. Freshman Kylee Cloud and sophomore Holli Vick split the varsity innings against EHS. Ray praised the pair for their relaxed demeanour and ability to work around early walks, contrasting their performance with the "pressing" behaviour observed during summer sessions. Both pitchers demonstrated improved spot accuracy and competition levels.
To build defensive depth, Ray deployed a different lineup than the team is accustomed to running. This structural change resulted in some defensive miscues, specifically errors on routine ground balls where players were described as being "stuck on their back heels." Despite these growing pains, Ray noted that the players did not panic or lose positional discipline, viewing the errors as a necessary learning curve for long-term roster stability.
The varsity contest concluded with a 6-2 score, featuring a notable late-inning play where the Lady Tigers executed a squeeze bunt to score a runner from third base. Ray highlighted the team’s improved mindset at the plate, particularly their willingness to take walks against high-quality pitching rather than chasing pitches outside the zone. The scrimmage served as a successful baseline for identifying areas requiring improvement in hitting adjustments and defensive consistency.
