Summer league sports are great for high school teams because the participation helps prepare varsity softball players for the regular season during the school year.

Miles Smith, head coach of the Lady Bombers, explained the importance of the program, commenting “Wins at this point don’t mean anything. It is about experience and us filling necessary spots. It’s also about seeing who will do what for us on the team, figuring out the batting order and defensive positions. Wins don’t mean so much at this point because they don’t count in summer league. I think the kids realize it, as well, and it’s about us preparing for the fall.” The coach is proud of how Frederick has performed in the summer league so far.

The Frederick Lady Bombers led off the summer season opening against the Lookeba-Sickles Lady Panthers on May 22.

Kalyn Grice pitched for the Lady Bombers. “She threw extremely well,” the coach stated.

Coach Smith explained that Frederick did a good job of putting the ball in play and gave credit to the Lady Bombers for executing well offensively with speed, as well as agility. The Frederick offense forced quite a few errors on their opponent that helped the Lady Bombers offense to excel.

Frederick soared over Lookeba-Sickles 19-1.

The Lady Bombers went to bat against Binger-Oney’s Lady Bobcats on May 22, following their game against Lookeba-Sickles.

Discussing the opponent, Smith shared “They are the two time defending state champions in Class B. They’ve got a really good program and they are also in our conference, so it’s one of those deals where they are an opponent we will need to beat in order to win our conference down the road.”

Emily Wasinger pitched. “She pitched really well. All of her stuff was working and she was throwing hard,” Smith said. Ashlyn Brite is also proving her value as a player on the high school team. The freshman is competing for a chance to play second base when the fall season rolls around. According to the coach “Ashlyn Brite, Savannah Chavez and Ashlee Fryer are all in the mix on who will play second base to replace former Lady Bomber Brittany Blackford. In this game Emily Wasinger threw three innings and struck out nine batters.

Mikeala Bray and Cordelle Elsener gave good offensive performances, hitting well at the plate. Ashlyn Brite earned a base hit on a bunt. Faith Road also played good for the offense, earning several hits. Starla Hicks played a good offensive game.

Frederick declawed the Lady Bobcats 6-2.

On May 24 the Lady Bombers played a doubleheader at Fort Cobb, facing off against Fort Cobb and Apache.

Fort Cobb and Apache are in Frederick’s conference, and the Lady Bombers will play Apache during the fall softball season since Frederick and Apache are in the same class.

Frederick went to bat against Fort Cobb hoping to perform well. Coach Smith explained that Fort Cobb’s program is strong fundamentally, always playing a solid and competitive game. “They play the game right,” Smith said, giving credit to their program.

Cordelle Elsener pitched and although it wasn’t her best game, she still threw well for Frederick. Ciara Cardona played the position of catcher. Coach Smith stated “I thought Ciara Cardona did a good job of catching for Cordelle Elsener. I’d also like to give her acknowledgement for catching well for Kalyn Grice in the Lookeba-Sickles game. She’s working hard and is real coachable.” Other Lady Bombers who played good defense are Shelby Duggins and Starla Hicks. Duggins played a strong game at first base. The two shared credit for great defense when Hicks recovered a bunt, hustling in from third base for the recovery and making the throw-out to Shelby Duggins at first base.

Lady Bombers who played good offense are Mikeala Bray, Cordelle Elsener and Starla Hicks.

Frederick slid past Fort Cobb 4-3.

Next up for the Lady Bombers was Apache.

Kalyn Grice pitched and Cordelle Elsener caught behind the plate. Smith explained that Cordelle Elsener is in tune with his ability to make calls for what needs to be thrown at the plate. So much that the coach has allowed the catcher to start making some calls from behind the plate for the pitcher. He explained “She has a good view from behind the plate for what’s going on and might see something I can’t from the dugout.”

Emily Wasinger relief pitched for an inning. Lady Bombers who played a good offensive game are Cordelle Elsener, Mikeala Bray, Faith Roady and Savannah Chavez. Frederick defeated Apache 6-0.

Frederick is taking an offensive edge early in the summer season, sporting a 4-0 record.

The priority for Miles Smith is to improve the team and make them stronger for the fall softball season.