MONTPELIER — Montpelier’s rise to the top of the Buckeye Border Conference will be mirrored by the team it puts on the field.
The Locomotives are trying to use their speed more this season, something that can be seen by the quick rise to the top of the conference. They’re hoping that the speed on the basepath will be able to help on both the offensive and defensive ends of the game.
“In years previous, we didn’t spend a lot of time on focusing to see how fast we really were,” coach Brooke Funk said. “We did that this year, and I’m looking forward to that with some offense when we’re hitting and stealing. We were good hitters last year, but we’re working on our offense in the fact that we didn’t run a lot of bunts and drag bunts.”
Montpelier will return eight players to the team this year, two of which were injured last season.
Those two, Brookelyn Dye and Tory Steffes, have been two that stood out to Funk early on in practice this year.
“They have went above and beyond to get themselves back,” Funk said. “They put forth mounds of effort and leadership qualities. They’re positive, they’re being role models, they know they’ll play wherever they need to play.”
Both are expected to play the infield and be key contributors both on and off the field this season.
Aside from those two, Funk will have a roster full of girls that can play multiple positions. There’s only 10 varsity girls on the roster this year, but they can all play different positions on the field, which will give the Locos loads of versatility.
“We have a very athletic group of girls, but we have multiple girls that can play multiple positions,” Funk said. “All around, they’re very versatile and they know that. We’ve had discussions about that, so prepared.”
Sarah Higbie figures to be the lead pitcher in the circle this year, one in which Montpelier hopes it can rise above everyone else in the BBC.
“I think it’s a goal that is easily obtainable for us,” Funk said. “The girls want it, and I want them to have fun this year. In previous seasons, the energy and the morale was kind of down. This season, they’re positive. They have a collective goal together and I think they’re willing to achieve it if they want to.”
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