Softball is a sport that is usually overlooked and undervalued. For the past few years, Liberty’s softball program has not been on people’s minds. People around the school are usually thinking about the more popular sports like baseball and soccer. However, this season is different. This year, Liberty’s softball team has changed people’s views on the program. Not only did they have a winning record, but they had the best record for any sport at Liberty, besides competition cheer, this year.
Head coach Chris Leatherman and assistant coaches Taylor Songer and Leigh Cavins coach Liberty’s softball team. Leatherman has been coaching here at Liberty for many years now, but this is Songer’s first year as a part of the program. All coaches work diligently and efficiently to make sure that the Lady Eagles soar to victory. “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the Lady Eagles this year. At the beginning of the season, playoffs didn’t seem in the picture, but seeing how the girls have rallied together, here we are entering the playoffs as the #3 seed. It’s been pretty incredible to watch,” Songer stated.
Liberty’s softball team has only one senior this year, Madison Goldizen. Goldizen has been a part of the Liberty Varsity Softball team all four years of high school. Goldizen either starts out the games at first base or in the circle, ready to take on her opponents with her pitching skills. Goldizen is also a key part of the Lady Eagles’ batting lineup as she bats 4th. One of Goldizen’s best moments was in Liberty’s home game against James Wood High School. Not only did Goldizen pitch 9 straight innings, but she also hit the walk-off line drive to give Liberty the victory.
Liberty’s team stats are pretty decent this year. Liberty’s team batting average is .323, and the team’s on-base percentage is .425. This season, Liberty has had 14 home runs. The home runs were hit by Morgan Waln, Naleiah Tibbs, Ivy Cavins, Avery Walker, and Chloe Dodd. In the field, the Lady Eagles have been on fire, forcing 10 double plays. Not only have the Eagles turned many double plays, but they even pulled off a triple play, meaning the Lady Eagles got all 3 outs in one at-bat. Double plays are hard enough as it is, but a triple play is incredible. Way to go Eagles!!!
Liberty’s softball team had a record of 10-8 this season. This record made the Liberty Eagles fall into the 3-seed. This means that Liberty will face off against James Wood on June 1. As long as Sherando High School wins its next game and Liberty beats James Wood, they will advance to the state tournament. If Liberty pulls this off, there is no telling what they can and can’t do.
Let’s hope that Liberty keeps winning and brings Liberty back a title. Good Luck to the Lady Eagles as they take on James Wood on Monday.
