Lady Tiger softball season begins

The Mountain Home Lady Tigers open their 2005 softball season at home Thursday against Eagle.

Mountain Home softball coach Joy Memmelaar indicated they may not have the quantity in numbers this season, but they make up for it with good quality athletes.

"Our turnout was a little bit low this year, but the girls that came look really good. We're going to be a little young this year in experience, but most of the girls came up from the JV so they've got game experience. We might be young grade-wise, but their ability looks really good. They know where they're going."

The Lady Tigers finished 10-18 last year, and came just one win away from making it to the State 4A Tournament. Although they lost some good seniors, Coach Memmelaar is optimistic about this year.

"We've already talked to the girls about what is possible and what they're capable of, and they're really excited and they know we can get where we were last year and go beyond it and get to state, and what I'd really like to do is come home with something for state, not just go."

The Lady Tigers open their non-conference schedule this week, hosting Eagle on Thursday, and traveling to Centennial on Friday.

Memmelaar sees this week's games as a way to judge where they are, and what they've got to work on.

"They'll both be tough, but the games should give us an idea of what we've got and what we've got to improve on to get ready for the conference season."

The first pitch is set for 4:30 p.m. both against Eagle and Centennial.

The Lady Tigers open SIC 4A conference softball at home on March 15 against Kuna.