Belgreen Softball Q&A With Coach Sander Tverberg
Who are your top returning players and what do they bring to your team this year?
“The four seniors we have returning are a huge benefit to this team.”
Lily Blackburn-Pitcher-“She comes with big game experience and dedication to the team and a successful senior year. Her bat is always hot, and we have been working extremely hard on recognizing and hitting the change-up.”
Hannah Borden-3B-“She brings a great glove, arm and leadership on the field. Her bat has delivered key hits in key situations, and I believe this will be by far her best year at the plate in her high school career.”
Morgan Vanidver-2B-“She has a great glove and leads by example as well as vocally. She has been steady at the plate with a high OBP and feel she will continue that success.”
Caitlyn Oliver-OF-“She is a hard worker and is a great leader. She keeps our seniors in line. Her skills in the outfield and at the plate have improved tremendously and provide us a strong player in our lineup. She is a major asset for this team.”
Bryn Scott-CF-“One of the best center fielders in 1A softball. Great arm, gets a great jump on the ball and is fearless. She will fill the leadoff spot in our lineup and has many ways to get on base.”
“Newcomers that will be expected to step up and provide more production from last year include Brooke Tompkins 1B, Caleigh Lawson C, Mackinley Hogan OF, Morgan Lauderdale SS and Shaylyn Bryant OF will be called upon to take on more responsibility.”
What is your team’s biggest strength going into the season?
“Our biggest strength this year will be our senior leadership. We have four seniors that have played and lived Belgreen softball for years. They bring a winning attitude, hard work ethic and a willingness to help build their teammates up as well as hold them accountable. The development of our younger players has come along much faster with the experience and leadership Caitlyn Oliver, Lily Blackburn, Morgan Vandiver and Hannah Borden are providing.”
What is your team’s biggest weakness that needs to be improved going forward?
“The one concerning factor I have may really not be a weakness, but a priority for our team will be replacing our shortstop and catcher. We have several players who have been stepping up in practice to fill these voids, and now we just have to go play games and work on producing and getting better.”
What does your pitching rotation look like at this point?
“We will lean heavy on our senior pitcher, Lily Blackburn. She has an abundance of experience in big games and against all levels of competition. We are looking forward to her senior year to see what lies ahead. Hannah Borden will be another senior pitcher we will be able to count on to give us some quality innings and use in some key matchups. Our two freshman pitchers, Caleigh Lawson and MaKinley Vandiver, could provide some key innings while developing them at the varsity level for the future.”
What is your biggest defensive strength?
“Our experienced infield will be the biggest strength but with a strong outfield to go with it.”
What is your biggest offensive strength?
“I believe baserunning will be our biggest strength. We will need to put pressure on the defense to open more holes for our bats.”
What are the intangibles that could help/hurt during the season?
“The biggest intangible is plain and simple our leadership from our seniors. Developing a winning attitude and buying into doing the little things it takes to be successful. I believe we have a team that believes in each other, gets along and wants each other to be truly successful. We are Belgreen, and we are ONE.”
Who is in your area?
“Hackleburg, Phillips and Vina.”
