Cookeville softball player Aspen Lyles said she has seen improvement this season in her defense.
Lyles stands as one of the four freshmen on the Cookeville Lady Cavaliers. She currently starts for the Lady Cavaliers in left field. Lyles said being able to track the ball in the outfield is a lot of fun.
“I feel like you have more like, you are like in charge of the field and stuff, so you like take control and you can call people off, you can go and get whatever you can,” Lyles said. “And just have more like control out there and stuff.”
Lyles is completing her eleventh year as a softball player. She started after playing tee-ball with her mother watching. Lyles said her mom has helped her a lot in her development.
“She’s put a lot of time and effort into making sure that I can be the best I can possibly be,” Lyles said. “I’m really grateful for it.”
Lyles said despite being nervous at first, Cookeville welcomed her into the softball team with open arms.
“I’ve gotten used to it because the seniors and the upperclassmen have helped a lot,” Lyles said. “Really been there, made me feel welcome. The coaches have made me feel welcome and I’m really appreciative of it.”
Lyles has also seen development in her hitting as well. This season, Aspen ranks top three for Cookeville in slugging percentage, runs batted in, doubles, and triples.
Cookeville will finish their season Tuesday at Clay County. They stand 10-20 on the season.
