The Virginia High School League softball season opens this week and Craig County has two games, both on the road. The Rockets were scheduled to open at Glenvar on Monday and they’re at Bland County on Thursday.
Craig had two preseason scrimmages to prepare for the season.
“Although we came up short in both, there was plenty to be proud of,” said Rocket coach Elaina WolfeCarper. “The girls made much better contact at the plate than they did at this time last year. While we had some errors in the field, they didn’t let those mistakes define the inning or shake their confidence.”
The Rockets are without last year’s ace pitcher, Kammie Fisher, who is out due to an injury.
“We are going to be without Kammie, so that is definitely a setback, but Neveah Hypes is looking strong this year, as is Annalese Zimmerman,” said WolfeCarper. “I’m very pleased with the girls so far this season. They’ve put in a lot of work to get faster and stronger, and it’s really starting to show.”
Hypes is a senior along with Layla Dooley, Ashlyn Keen and Morgan Underwood. Juniors are Daileigh Donithan, Jenna Boitnotte, Aleah Owens, Peytin Ragland and Kammie and Kallie Fisher. Annalese and Annika Zimmerman are sophomores and one freshman is on the varsity, Natalie Fisher.
The Rockets will be looking to improve on last season’s 4-10 record. They’re off next week for spring break and won’t have a home game until March 31 when they host Smith Mountain Lake Christian Academy.
“My main goal this season is simple, keep improving and be better than we were last year,” said WolfeCarper. “If we do that, the wins will follow. This group is talented and hardworking, and I’m excited to see how we continue to grow throughout the season.”
-Record File Photos
