Lady 'Riders decimate their competition
Written by: | 10 Apr 2009
“We’re currently sitting first in our division,” says Stacy Iveson, head coach of the Yavapai College Roughrider’s softball team. “We’re doing pretty well.”
So well, in fact, that as of March 19, the Roughriders were 39-2 for the season.
The softball team already has built up a reputation hard to compete with. Founded in 2008 the team earned their right to fight in the World Series with only one season under their belts. Now back with experience the ‘Riders are looking to do it again
Heading for the playoffs
“We want to host regionals,” says Iveson “and go to the series playoffs in May.”
When looking at the Rough-riders’ March standing, that goal doesn’t seem unattainable.
“I think we have the tools to win,” says Iveson, herself having been named Coach of the Year for her role in winning multiple championships as a coach for Pima Community College as well as three as an assistant coach for the University of Arizona.
Decimating the competition
Winning is apparently what these girls do best. They have not just been winning games, they have been decimating their competition, routinely not allowing their opponents to score at all. In a recent game the Lady ‘Riders went 26-1 against Gateway here at home.
“I think we have the tools to win.”
Coach Iveson tries to stay modest saying, “Well, we’ve been playing against teams that aren’t as tough, but we’ve played against some good teams too… we’ve got a good balance and our offense can do some damage when it gets going.”
Although the team did well last season, if the ‘Riders can keep up the pace they’ve set for themselves this time around, it looks like they might beat their old record.
A veteran team
“We have eight sophomore returners and that’s huge,” says Iveson. According to her, last year the team consisted of 14 freshman and one sophomore and their experience counts for a lot. “I think that kind of leadership helps turn the corner…we rely a lot on our returners,” she says.
Fortunately, returning to the field for another game is what everyone has done this season. According to Iveson the team hasn’t sustained much physical damage this go around.
“We’re pretty injury free,” she says. “Nothing really serious, just the regular scrapes and some bruises, things like that.”
Coaching depth
Iveson is not the only one the team has to listen to. According to Iveson the team would not be where they are if not for the help and effort put forth by the assistant coaches, two of whom played under Iveson before joining the YC staff.
“We have three coaches, one is a volunteer [JR. Barringer]. He used to do fast pitch and he throws batting practice for us which is great so we don’t have to hit off of a pitching machine,” says Iveson.
Although the team still has a tough block coming up Iveson says she’s not worried.
“I’m not nervous. [I’m] excited we have our Division I competition coming up and only one Division II game left.”
As far as other goals go for the season Iveson says it’s her biggest goal to assist the sophomores in going some place. “When they come here [athletes/students] they want to be part of something and hopefully make the championships but also they want to know they’re going somewhere…one of the eight is signed and the others all have offers, so I might be eight for eight this year.”
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