The softball season started Jan. 10, with the first official game being Jan. 31 against Midway JV. District will end April 17. Games are on Tuesdays and Fridays. 

The girls played last Friday at home against Salado and lost 16-5. 

“We have played around 15-20 games so far,” coach Blakeli Brookerson said. “They all went pretty good. We are in a tough district, so we are fighting hard each week!”

Practices are 3 times a week, in addition to two skill days during the athletic period. 

“We get a lot of defensive reps in and try to get in a lot of realistic offensive reps,” Brookerson said. “We try to make practices hard so games are easier.” 

Brookerson said that the district competition has been difficult this year, but the girls use that as motivation to play better and create friendships. 

“I want [the girls] to become better people at the end of the day,” Brookerson said. “We have matured a lot from the beginning and have learned a lot of things, especially on how to be a true team. They fight each and every day for each other and do a great job having each other’s backs.” 

Senior Brady Burton plays shortstop.

“I like it because a bunch of hits come my way so I am constantly moving,” Burton said. “I enjoy diving on the infield and getting my uniform dirty.” 

Burton said that playing softball has allowed her to navigate the roadblocks and self criticism that comes with playing a sport or doing something competitive in general. 

“What I like most about softball is the mental challenge that comes with the sport,” Burton said.  “In this game you face more failure than success, and this could really test your mental strength. I have seen personal growth in my mentality after things don’t go my way. I used to get really upset after I would get out or make an error. Now I realize it is an opportunity to grow and get better and I end up looking forward to getting the next at bat or ball hit to me.” 

This year Burton hit her second home run ever which resulted in the game ending with a  tie.

“My goal at the end of the season is to receive a district award,” Burton said. “I am hoping for first team all district. For the team my goal is to make playoffs.” 

Junior Madison Magilke plays catcher and enjoys being behind the plate because she gets a view of the whole field. 

“Softball is a place for me to get away and have fun,” Magilke said. “I am a catcher, I love being behind the plate because I can see the whole field.” 

Magilke also hopes to go to playoffs at the end of the season. She said that the most memorable part of the season, however, was playing for their seniors. 

“We have a very close team and we get along great,” Magilke said. “I personally have gotten better at taking better at bats.” 

  Burton said she has noticed how much more connected the girls have become compared to last season. 

“I think the team is closer than we were last year and we talk more as a whole,” Burton said. “At practice the team is very loud and helps build each other up.” 

With graduation less than two months away, Burton is soaking up her last season with her teammates become friends. 

“I am very grateful to have played these past three years for Lampasas and I am sad it is coming to an end soon,” Burton said. “I love the relationships I have built with the girls and the coaches over the years. I have made friends that will be with me my entire life.”