HOPKINS — The wins haven’t been piling up for the Lakers of HLWW softball. But the adversity they’re going through right now is preparing them for the future while teaching them lessons in real time as well.
With some frequent changes to the lineup in recent days and some whirlwind games, HLWW has fought to adjust as hard as any team could — focusing on what they know they can do and letting the rest play out. They came up short to Blake on the road Friday 9-2, threatening with some late-inning chances but ultimately not capitalizing.
“As we make changes in our lineup, we just have to control what we can control. We have to be flexible on defense especially,” head coach Carol Meyerson said.
Callie Elg got the start for the Lakers on the rubber and despite some errors and walks that led to three first-inning runs, she settled into a solid rhythm. HLWW was down 6-0 before they plated a run on a deep fly to center field in the fourth.
A Brooke Olund RBI ground rule double got another one across in the fifth, but two runners in scoring position were stranded in the sixth to stifle the Laker rally as Blake extended the lead to 9-2 and finished the game.
“The one thing we can control is our hitting right now — when to put down a bunt, our pitch selection, our focus, and we’re going to make sure nothing changes on that side even while our defense might,” Meyerson said.
Postgame, Meyerson’s message was simple — emphasize what is available. That meant showing up each day and working hard regardless of circumstance; something will give eventually. While the Lakers wait patiently on that opportunity, their dugout is the opposite of doom and gloom. The team spirit culprits are exactly the players any coach wants them to be: seniors.
“Our seniors are really leading in energy and positivity and attitude,” Meyerson said. “They’re the ones demanding that energy. Each senior has had their big game so far and that’s what’s keeping us going.”
HLWW has three more games next week, all chances to respond to the previous setbacks. A 2-10 start to the season has plenty of reason to get a team down; the culture of the Laker dugout won’t allow that.
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Follow Jared Martinson on Twitter: @JaredNHR