With the 2025-26 girls softball season now officially started, students have been diligently working in preparation. Whether it is conditioning, throwing or batting practice, all the players find ways to get themselves ready for their games..
“I started preparing for the upcoming season by going to some of the conditioning practices that the coach was holding for the players,” Janna Kline (12) said. “My mom and I throw the ball from the distance that third base and first base are so I can warm up my arm and get it back for the season.”
One of the biggest priorities of the preseason was refining the fundamentals of the game. They did many drills to be able to keep up with their competitors on the field. They also prioritized conditioning, which was vital for top performance.
“Before practice, we run about three laps around the gym and condition a little bit,” Phoenix Richards (12) said. “We also have a resistant band to stretch our arms and to get them ready for throwing.”
Some of the main practices they perform are methods of batting, running and catching. The pitchers and catchers practice their skills as well, using each other as pillars to hone their craft upon.
Last season, the girls ended their season with two wins, making an overall record of 2-14. This year, they hope to raise this number and conclude the season with multiple other wins. Their losing streak is something that they hope to transform into multiple wins, resisting the odds and coming out with a more positive outlook.
With all the games that have been postponed or canceled, the team has had more opportunities to be able to practice and condition for their upcoming games.
On March 10, the girls traveled to Sewickley Academy for their first scrimmage, starting at 3:30 p.m. For the first three innings, neither of the teams scored. In the fourth inning, the Panthers got an up, scoring three runs. The Bulldogs then caught up closely, scoring two runs in the fifth inning. However, in the end, Freedom lost to the Panthers in a close 5-4 game.
The girls used this defeat as a way to improve their skills and teamwork for the next game. Scrimmages are a way for teams to scope out their competition and find what ticks their team can refine.
On March 25, the girls traveled once again for their first game against New Brighton. In the fifth inning, the Bulldogs had seven runs. The game ended 12-6, score favoring the Bulldogs. Following that, the next day on March 26, they were to play against Neshannock. This was the first home game of the season. Game information was not available at the time of publication.
With back-to-back games and plenty of practice, the girls seek much improvement. With every practice, scrimmage and game, the team hopes to grow stronger in their plays, and also as a team. After last year’s seniors graduated, there were large shoes to fill, but with motivated girls on the team and the new freshman, they hope to wear them with pride.
“I am excited to start something new with one of my friends, who is starting as a freshman,” Kline said.