By Drew Moody
For the Hur Herald
Coach Rick Moore has a straight-forward philosophy. Stay focused, work hard and everything will fall into place.
Last season, Glenville State College's Lady Pioneers softball team turned in the best season in the history of the sport here. They were 21-13 overall, 13-13 in conference play.
Playing sports at the college level requires a lot of sacrifice from coaches and players alike. The practice schedules can be grueling - practice, conditioning, lift weights, swimming.
Moore also expects an equal investment in the classroom. He occasionally can be heard saying, "These girls know the reason they're here is to get an education."
Overall, last year, to compliment the winning season on the field, they earned an overall 3.14 GPA, the highest rank of all sports programs at the college, according to Moore.
Lady Pioneer Head Softball Coach Rick Moore
He had a young team with two seniors, that had created an impressive record.
Hopes were high for this year.
Moore picked several top players to recruit. He hoped for two signers. Moore struck gold and got eight. "It was by far the best recruiting class I've had."
With such a young and talented team, this year he hoped to have an even better season and give the top teams a reason to remember the Lady Pioneers.
THE INJURIES BEGAN
Seventeen players began the season. By time fate had its way Moore didn't have enough players healthy to field a team.
Eight players left.
To save the season and maintain NCAA requirements several players shifted from other sports to help out.
According the college's website the current roster lists: Leanne Harris, Jessica Gilchrist, Alysha Lavey, Candace White, Karly Eskew, Laura Childers, Kristy Richards, Kaitlyn Bowman, Meagan James, Lacey Powell, Jade Jean, Miranda Reed, Donita Adams, Stacy Mack, Kayla Shobe, Mandy Parkulo, and Brook Foster. While listed here, some have suffered season-ending injuries.
Despite the challenges this season, the Lady Pioneers recently beat undefeated conference team Wheeling - Jesuit. They lost to Alderson-Broaddus by one run.
FINAL HOME GAMES THIS WEEKEND
Moore and the Lady Pioneers will take the home field Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The final game of the season is Monday in Charleston. WVIAC tournaments begin next Thursday at Parkersburg's Jackson Park.
This Friday, the 25th, the Lady Pioneers will take on Shepherd at 3 p.m.
Saturday, they meet Bluefield beginning at 2 p.m.
The weekend wraps up Sunday with play set to begin at 1 p.m. against Davis & Elkins.
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