The stars that dot the scorebook reflect the New Hope High School softball team’s prowess on defense.
Whether it is third baseman Kasey Stanfield picking a hard-hit short hop, shortstop D.J. Sanders gunning out a runner from the edge of the outfield grass, or Lauren Holifield diving in left-center field to snare a sinking line drive, the Lady Trojans take pride in their defense like no other team in the state.
The proof is on the outfield wall of Lady Trojan Field, as signs commemorating 13 state championships, including four in a row, remind opponents that they will have to do something special to “burn” the home team.
The 2011 New Hope slow-pitch team is carrying on that tradition.
“We have the potential to be great defensively,” New Hope coach Tabitha Beard said. “In spurts, we look great defensively, and then in spurts we show our youngness and our lack of speed in some places that we have had it in the past. But, overall, they have done well the past few ballgames.”
New Hope (21-7) will play at 5 p.m. today at Neshoba Central in the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 5A North State final.
The winner of the best-of-three series will advance to the state title series Saturday in Jackson to take on the South State representative, West Harrison or Picayune.
In other action today, Hamilton will play host to Hatley in the Class 2A North State series. The winner of that series will advance to the to the state title series Saturday in Jackson to take on the South State representative, Clarkdale or Enterprise 5.
New Hope is coming off a 20-0 and 18-2 doubleheader sweep of Yazoo City on Saturday in Columbus.
Lauren Holifield, who had six hits on the day, had two home runs and 10 RBIs in the twinbill to led a 37-hit attack. But as much as this season’s team has matured into more of a slugging squad, it has maintained a mind-set that past Lady Trojans have found works wonders: Defense wins championships.
“We have had big players step up,” Beard said. “Kasey has made some amazing catches on third. D.J. and Kaitlin (Bradley) do a great job and make some outstanding plays. I can’t say enough about ow far Erin (Stanfield) has come at first, and with Lauren in the outfield with that diving catch against Columbus. We’re going to have to have those great plays on those big fields (in Jackson) to be successful.”
New Hope flashed some leather in 10-2 victory against Columbus in its regular-season finale. The Lady Trojans had a starred play signifying a standout play in each inning to send seniors Anna McCrary and Ashley Byrd out on a game to remember. Kasey Stanfield started it off at third base. Sanders showed off her arm by throwing off balance deep in the hole to retire a runner at home on a force play. Bradley got into the act with a nifty throw on a force play in the third inning. Holifield had the highlight of the day when she read the ball off the bat and then made a sliding catch to her right on a sinking line drive.
“I think we have been a good defense,” Holifield said. “Everybody has been backing everybody up in the outfield. I love that feeling knowing everyone has my back.”
Beard learned the importance of defense as a player for former New Hope coach Cary Shepherd. The tradition of solid defensive play has carried on with Beard, and has transferred to the school’s fast-pitch program. Many athletes who play slow-pitch softball say the offensive nature of the game helps them improve their defense for the fast-pitch season the following year.
Third baseman Kasey Stanfield is a primary example. Last season, she admitted some nervousness playing the hot corner, where balls are most likely to come at her at high speeds and on awkward bounces. But Stanfield has matured into a “Hoover” quality fielder, picking short hops with ease and showing a poise that almost dares hitter to try to get the ball past her.
“It is just second nature now,” Stanfield said. “You do what you have to do to get it. I don’t even think about it. I like playing (in front of the base) because you can just react to the ball.”
Sanders shows equal grace at shortstop, even if she felt problems with her glove plagued her against Yazoo City. Sanders, a sophomore who is a pitcher on the fast-pitch team, showed off the strength of her arm Saturday, throwing out a runner from deep shortstop with ease.
“The backhand in the hole, coach (Laura Lee) Holman has really been working on her with that, and trying to stay on her feet,” Beard said. “D.J. has such great legspan that she is learning she can get that hole and stay on her feet more.”
Beard said the improvement of Erin Stanfield at first base, Bradley at second base, and Lauren Holifield at short fielder in the outfielder has jelled well with the growth of players like outfielders Ashley Reed, Gabby Murray, and Abby Wilson who have less experience at the varsity level.
Sanders is so comfortable that she apparently can deliver defensive gems even with a glove that can’t catch. She said after Saturday’s doubleheader that she needs a new glove because the one she used in the two victories doesn’t work.
“I think this is a really good defensive team,” Sanders said. “Coach Beard always say defense wins ballgames. I think we focus and concentrate so much on defense that the hitting falls into place.”
Adam Minichino is the former Sports Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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