Update: Bridgeport emerged the winners of Thursday evening's game at Philip Barbour High School; the opening game of the season for the Lady Indians. The Tribe won 20-0. 

 

Original post:

The Bridgeport High School softball team kicks off the 2017 season with an away contest with the Colts of Philip Barbo

 

The season opener is set for 5 p.m. today. At the helm of this year’s program is Coach Larry “Rabbit” Snider, who has a county reputation for bringing home the win.

 

Formerly with the Robert C. Byrd program, Snider looks forward to working with the Lady Indians.

 

“The girls are excited and worked hard during conditioning season and since the season has started,” he said.

 

With 30 years of coaching experience and another 30 years of playing experience – frequenting softball fields from New York to the Philippines during his years with the U.S. military  - Snider came on board with the BHS team on July 24, 2016.

 

Conditioning – consisting of running, lifting and utility drills – started in late-October and the season officially got under way in late-February.

 

“Weather conditions didn’t allow us to get on the field much – and that’s not unusual for this time of year,” Snider said. “But we did get outside a couple of nice days.”

 

In key positions will be seniors Hannah Clark, Abby Strait, Alex Busdeker and Taylor Smith, sophomores Emily Riggs, Kate Stanley, Laiken Cook and Starr Pope and freshman Payton Merica.

 

Riggs returns after an explosive freshman year, earning first team Class AA All-State honors and contributing consistent hits, including seven homers, during the 2016 season. In addition to her hitting power, Riggs will be a valuable infielder, positioned at shortstop. Stanley returns as catcher, Strait at first base, Busdeker at second and Clark at third. Outfielders starting in today’s game are Smith, Merica and Cook. Pope will start on the mound with possible relief by Strait.

 

“Starr worked hard during the offseason, playing travel ball and she’s gotten bigger and stronger,” Snider said. “She’s a lefty, so that helps too. We’re expecting big things out of her.”

 

In addition to today’s starting lineup, a handful of other players have some potential for playing time this season. Snider mentioned Drew Watson, Lauren Riffle, Tori McDaniel and Katie McDaniel.

 

“I’ll be taking a look at several people,” Snider said. “Everybody looks pretty good in the batting cage, but it’s a little different out there with lots of pitchers.”

Went to game changer actually we can give box score keep score book on computer let you know when first pitch is pitched and game is over

Last year, BHS completed the season with a 26-5 record and advanced to the regional finals.

 

The Lady Indians’ first home game is 7 p.m. Monday, March 27, against Fairmont Senior.  See the complete schedule – which is subject to change – HERE.

 

Fans can follow the Lady Indians’ games – from the opening pitch to post-game stats - with the Game Changer app, Snider said.