Published October 1, 2022
3rd Year Enid High Softball Coach Chris Jensen has some big dreams for his relatively youthful softball team. “Listen, no disrespect from where we were when I started, but we were not near where I expected. We had a practice plan for our first practice, and within minutes, we told the girls to take a break, and had to reconsider some of our plans for that preseason. The good news is that the girls have bought in, and we went from 12 wins total in the three seasons prior to 2020, to 9 wins our first season, 12 wins last year and as of today we are 9 and 11, and have a goal of 20 wins this season, which I really believe is realistic,” Coach Jensen said. (Editors Note: The Pacers won 21 regular season games by digital publication).
The 2022 Pacers are mainly led by 3 Seniors, 3 Juniors, 3 Sophomores and a bevy of other contributors from all classes, including freshmen. The main pitchers, Mady Withey, Katelyn Bezdicek, and Camryn Patterson all have different strengths, and all are capable of being the ace, as needed. “We don’t have a problem throwing any of those three,” says Jensen, “They are all righties, so it really depends on matchups and who we are playing. They all have different “out” pitches and have all had some success.”
The Pacers are a little light on power, having only one home run so far this year (Camryn Patterson), but are very good at small ball, bunting, running and stealing bases. Jensen says they like to put pressure on the other team’s pitchers and fielders and make them make a play. “We aren’t going to hit many long balls, but we will put some girls on base, which gives us the opportunity to score some runs,” he said. In addition to Bezdicek and Patterson, he notes that Catcher Chloee Robinson, currently leading the team in batting average, is one of their best hitters.
While every team wants to win a state championship, the more realistic short-term goal is to host regionals and make the state tournament, which is well within reach, if not this year, then soon. “Our future is bright,” says Jensen, “I like our Freshmen, and we have a great group of 8th grade girls coming up. The district has invested in us and our facilities with new turf, and an upcoming indoor facility with new locker rooms, batting cages, and coach’s offices that should be ready by March, in time for the slow pitch season. Slow pitch is great for us, especially helping improve our defense.”
These Pacer players may not hit the long ball very often, but they have big hearts, and would love to have your support.
Plainsmen/Pacer Pride of the Plains Proudly Brought to you by Slater Mechanical!
