by Ashley Jones
With spring sports starting, the Yellowjackets are excited to be back playing this season. Head coach Chris Newman stated, “last year, the season was cut short. Missing a season was hard on the girls.” Newman later stated, “The girls who played summer ball were able to come back easier than the girls who didn’t.” The team has a good balance of players. A great group of freshmen through senior players fill the roster. Newman included, “we have a very talented and hard working group of girls.” A typical day or week for Newman’s players includes practices a couple hours a day when there isn’t a game. He added that monitoring the physical health of his players is very important. “Injuries pop up,” included Newman. A delicate balance is needed throughout the season. Players work hard and are able to have breaks when needed. Their very first practice was on March 15th and their first game is a home game against Ronan on April 3rd. This season the Yellowjackets are hoping to play in the state tournament. Newman stated, “Frenchtown, Hamilton, and Butte Central should be up there. Corvallis should be very strong this season.” Overall, the Stevensville softball program is eager to be back playing. “It is a blessing to be playing this season,” Newman stated. The Yellowjackets season runs from their first game, April 3rd, up until their final season game on May 22nd. The team is hoping to make an appearance in the state tournaments. With the talent and physical grind that this team has, the Yellowjackets will be an exciting team to watch this season.