Chloe Brooks and Lanie Leach

Writers

After placing second in district play, the Marlow Lady Outlaw softball team traveled to Lexington for the postseason regional tournament on Thursday, Oct.3.

The tough opponents faced throughout the season gave the Lady Outlaws the opportunity to make changes before heading into regionals.

The amount of improvements made have not gone unnoticed, especially by senior catcher Aurelia Holguin.

“Before regionals, we worked a lot on hitting and bunting,” Holguin described. “This helped us move runners when we faced tough pitchers.”

Because of these adjustments, the Lady Outlaws recognized the team’s strengths that gave them an advantage over any opponent faced.

Senior pitcher Jayleigh Totten recalled the Lady Outlaws season opener and explained the team’s competence gained throughout the season.

“One of the strengths that led the team to regionals was all of us coming together,” Totten said. “The team really learned to work together which made us stronger.”

In the first game of the tournament, the Lady Outlaws faced Newkirk, beating them 2-1.

On Friday, Oct. 4, the next two games were challenging for the Lady Outlaws, losing 9-4 to Lexington and 3-1 to Newkirk.

Junior Elaina Kuhlman described the team’s determination and overall performance in the regional tournament.

“Overall, I think the team worked hard at regionals,” Kuhlman said. “We fought when it got tough, but it just didn’t end the way we hoped for.”

Taking these losses as lessons, the team looks forward to making improvements that will catapult them into future success.

Hoping to improve on each gained skill from this season, junior Madison Fitzhugh eagerly anticipates the transition coming for the Lady Outlaw softball program.

“Some improvements that we made this year are that we played better defense and we had better hitting averages,” Fitzhugh said. “Some changes we need to make for next year are to maintain a positive attitude and play together as a team in general.”

The Lady Outlaws success has been undeniably on the rise over the years, and does not look to let up anytime in the near future.

Focusing on the future of the program, freshman first base infielder Jillian Totten gained perspective of the talent and skill that will be returning for years to come.

“I think this team has a great future,” Totten said. “We have Jori Brittain who put up a great fight against Lexington, a freshman pitcher coming up, going-to-be sophomore catcher Parker Hayes, and a freshman catcher coming up as well. I am excited to see what this team can accomplish next year.”

Finishing their final season playing for the Lady Outlaws, Holguin is grateful for what the program had to offer.

“I really enjoyed this year and made so many memories,” Holguin described. “I want to especially thank everyone who came out to support us, and all of our parents on the softball team. They did everything they could for the team and we appreciate it greatly.”

Following suit, Jayleigh Totten appreciates the fans who supported her throughout her high school career.

“I want to thank my fan base for helping me through it all,” Totten said. “Thanks for always having my back when I wasn’t playing the greatest. I will never forget the way the fans cheered us on.”

Ending the season 24-9, the Lady Outlaws look to keep their momentum rolling next season.

Until the next season begins again in August, the Lady Outlaws will continue to prepare themselves by gaining the skills and mentality it takes to create a great team.