The Racers’ Slow-Pitch softball team has had a difficult season this year with a 4 win, 15 loss record. But after the next several games, they’ll be vying for a District title.
Head Coach Ashley Filer said the Racers are in a District this year with Harrah and Cushing — teams she says have similar records to Newcastle.
“This week we are talking about mentality and getting our minds right,” Filer said. “For District we will have to travel, but the odds are in our favor going to a District with teams having about our same season record.”
Filer said last year’s Racers had put themselves in a position to host the District Tournament, but this year they got a good draw.
This week’s competition includes number 5 Cache and Dibble. Newcastle plays Elgin today (Thursday), and then they will play in the Southmoore Festival starting April 17. Again, the District Tourney is April 20.
Newcastle Slow-Pitch is without a senior on their roster, and they have Meredith Strange and Brooklyn Lyles out due to injuries. Strange is out because of a concussion, and Lyles has been injured all season, according to the coach.
Filer said some of the girls who have been playing well include freshman Lyla Gaither and sophomore Lexi Lovelace.
“Gaither has been hitting the ball phenomenally well,” Filer said.
Lovelace has gone back and forth from outfield to infield, and has played some solid defense for the Racers. She has really stepped up, Filer said. The coach also noted that sophomore pitcher Vanessa Portillo has done a good job, with officials even complimenting on how well she is doing.
