The Monterey Lady Wildcats will look to advance into the sub-sectional rounds this week.
Monterey placed second in the district, qualifying them for a regional tournament berth. They will face Liberty Creek to continue their quest for a state championship berth. Monterey Head Coach Brad Swafford said softball can be a very trying sport.
“You fail more than you succeed, it’s just the odds are stacked up against you,” Swafford said. “And so you have to be prepared mentally every day to show up at the ballpark and play and having good leadership really helps install that frame of mind as you come to the ballpark.”
Monterey will seek their first berth in the state championship since the 2006 season. They have never won a state championship, coming as close as runners-up in 1986. Swafford said the upperclassmen help keep the other girls in check.
“They’ve been there, they’ve done that, they know all the ups and downs and everything else,” Swafford said.
Swafford said senior leadership has been key in their run.
“The girls have learned a lot this year and we’ve just been able to take advantage of having a lot of leadership on the team,” Swafford said.
Monterey currently has eight seniors on their team. All eight seniors have set career highs this season in multiple statistics, including batting average, runs scored, and at-bats. Monterey stands with an 18-8 record.
