BonnerSprings.com

Nick Bates

Staff Writer

A fresh start is what first-year Bonner Springs coach Roger Davidson is looking for this week when his girls softball team plays its first game.

Davidson, Bonner Springs' fourth softball coach in four years, is looking to build a program from the ground up.

A program that some believe has not been taken as seriously is it should be.

He said he hopes that a dedicated approach to pitching and defense will help his team succeed on the field - and translate into more wins than in previous seasons.

"Throwing strikes and playing defense is fundamental softball," Davidson said. "Field the ball cleanly, make the proper throws :don't give the opposition more than the three outs they are entitled too."

Rebuilding the BSHS softball team has been a process this spring, but the girls are buying into the new system, Davidson said.

At the end of practice the team tries to keep it light. Players play a game within a game, or a have a competition in order to keep all the girls upbeat, rather than just fielding grounders and fly balls.

This approach could pay dividends to the 11 girls on the team this year.

All the player seems invested in becoming an improved softball team, with potential being the buzzword around the program, because of the good nucleus of underclassmen playing varsity. Davidson said the younger girls are ready to play at this level because of the experience they gained playing in off-season tournaments.

Davidson also is counting on seniors Ashlee Espinoza, Sadie Kelly, Chelsea Crouch and Wendy DeLeon, to lead this year's team.

"The seniors are going to take us where we need to go," Davidson said.

Espinoza said she has noticed the team's improvement.

"You can tell with each practice we are getting better," she said. "I think we will have a better record this year."

Kelly, a senior pitcher and four-year letter winner, said she thinks the team can finish above .500 this season.

"I definitely think we can do it, we have a lot of talent this season," Kelly said.

Crouch, who plays catcher and third base, said a new coach and some younger talent will help the team succeed.

"I think the young girls will step up when we need them too," she said. "We are building something good here, all 11 of us are committed to (the team). People are starting to take us more seriously"

DeLeon is positive about the upcoming season. She also sees potential in the squad.

"We work hard when we practice just like we play in a game," she said. "I really want to win all of the games, I think the whole team does."

A rebuilding effort is never easy, but regardless of how the record shakes out for BSHS, it should be an improved team that is fun to watch and plays fundamental softball.

Davidson said he is confident that his team is ready to go.

"(The opponent) is going to know they played us :we aren't going to roll over for anybody," he said.

Bonner Springs plays host to Sumner Academy on Thursday with the first pitch at 6 p.m.