Head Coach Mark Browne is pleased with the way his softball team is coming together, and who can blame him? The Lady Indians started two-for-two in pre-season scrimmage wins over Easton and Mardela. They were set to face Milford at the Pyle Center for their third and final scrimmage on Thursday, March 20, (after Coastal Point press deadline) before their season opens up against Nandua on Tuesday, March 25, at 1 p.m.

Coastal Point • Ruslana Lambert
Abi Buchler catches a piece of the ball during Tuesday’s scrimmage against Mardela. The Lady Indians start their season on Tuesday against Nandua.

With a few decisions left to be made to fill out the field, Browne was able to assess a lot of activity in Tuesday’s match-up.

“We’re just trying to get as many challenges in these games as we can get,” said Browne. “It’s nice to have the chance to work on different things.”

In last Thursday’s scrimmage at Easton, the Indians escaped with a 2-0 victory, without recording a hit.

“We had to find a way to win a ballgame when we weren’t hitting,” he said. “It was a nice time to emphasize making the plays and keeping yourself in the game, and that’s exactly what happened.”

Mardela’s left-handed pitcher provided plenty of swinging practice for Indian River to adjust to, as well. And chilly, windy weather conditions presented the Lady Indians with another challenge to overcome.

“It’s always tough to get through weather like this,” he added.

The team rotated a handful of girls on the mound. “Still pitching by committee,” Browne said.

Currently, the coaching staff is eyeing five pitchers between the JV and varsity teams.

“We’re working out the kinks from the back,” he said, “but it’s looking alright. On paper, it doesn’t mean anything until you get out there on the field against good competition, but we are experienced. That’s the positive, but we’ve got a long way to go and we know that.”