Softball team's stellar season ends

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Jason Peake

Daily Mail Sports Editor

NEVADA -- From the moment the 2011 softball season began, the Nevada Tigers had a huge target on their collective backs.

That comes with defending a state title.

After a historic and record-setting 2010 season in which the Tigers reached new heights in winning a state title, the 2011 team returned a solid core from that championship squad.

And with that, expectations were extremely high. The goal was a repeat, of course.

But when it was suddenly all over, after a 6-2 loss to Sullivan in the state quarterfinals on Saturday, the Tigers couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed.

"It was very emotional after the loss," Nevada Coach Tammy Holcomb said on Monday. "The girls are disappointed. It was tough. It's really hard right now."

But Holcomb acknowledged she and everyone associated with the program were well aware of what comes with such lofty goals and expectations.

"When the goals are so high, the losing makes it even tougher," she said. "But I'm really proud of this team."

The Tigers had a stellar season.

The team went 21-6, won a district title, won the sectional and advanced to the state quarterfinals.

Combined with last year's success, Holcomb said this group accomplished things that no other team in school history was able to pull off.

"I can't be more proud of the girls," Holcomb said. "I know when these seniors were freshmen they probably never would have thought they'd accomplish the things they did. They're all great individuals and great players. They've all helped build the program."

This year's group of seniors were Olivia Culbertson, Tiffani Long, Nikki O'Bryan, Casey Barker, JaLynn Heckadon and Darian Masters.

"The seniors have a special place in my heart," Holcomb said.

While a solid and accomplished group is moving on, the Tigers will have several key players returning next year.

Juniors Christian Novak, Tori Dahmer, Mackenzie Pritchett, Ashley Shumaker and Victoria Culbertson all started this season.

"They're going to be tough," Holcomb said when asked about next year's team. "We have several juniors and we have some underclassmen that will need to work hard in the offseason and step up for us. I think we'll have some incoming freshmen next year that will help us a lot, too."

With that, Holcomb was already thinking of next year.

At the same time, Holcomb and her players are likely still feeling a bit heartbroken.

"We'll be back," she said. "But it's just hard right now."

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I wish to congratulate the Lady Tigers for another great season for Nevada Softball. They should hold their heads high as over the past two years they have won 44 games and lost only 12, for a program that is only about 11 years old. I know they are disappointed with the loss that ends the season especially for the seniors as these girls have known and played softball together since they were 7-8 years old. If they take time to reflect and consider this: They have won two consecutive District Championships, two consecutive Sectional Championships and of course a STATE CHAMPIONSHIP which can never be taken away from them. Also this year they were the only final four team from 2010-2011 season to make it to the Quarter final round, which is a great accomplishment. However with all the good that has gone on over the past two years and actually all the good that has happened during the 4 years that these seniors were at Nevada, there is something that happened that is sort of disturbing to me as a fan of softball, after the game on Saturday there was a parent who came up to the JV catcher and stated to her that you know you will be playing the outfield next year, now unless there has been some sort of rule change I have always been under the impression that it was up to the coach to determine who plays where but this might not be the case at Nevada High. I sort of witnessed the same thing during the past 4 years as certain players were never allowed to play in the field while others who only played two years out of 4 of eligibility were allowed to play no matter how hard other players worked. As a fan of softball and fair competition does not think this is a fair way to run a program, but the coach never wavered in who played in the field and who didn't. I always thought that it was the coaches' decision and though I questioned why, I had to just wonder because as a coach it is their decision and as arm chair coaches it is ours to question, but after Saturday's incident now I am not sure. There was another strange move that also makes me wonder if this parent is not calling the shots. It wasn't till the last three games that a change in the batting order was made and after hearing the parent's comment to the JV player I am wondering if the change did not come from the parent. I truly think that was the wrong thing to come up to tell a 15/16 year old, who might have thought she was going to get a chance to be the Varsity catcher next year, instead this parent in my opinion has crushed any hopes of that girl. I honestly hope that the coach is the one actually determining who is playing what position and who bats where but now I am not sure.

In closing I want to thank all the girls who have raised the Nevada High School softball program to have higher expectations and wish those seniors good luck in whatever they decide to pursue.

-- Posted by nevadasoftballfan on Tue, Oct 18, 2011, at 9:49 PM
Congratulations to the Nevada Lady Softball Team and your effort this year. It is always hard to repeat but I know you gave it your best effort. It nice to see your success and the success with other Nevada Highschool sports come around once again. It not only is good for the kids and the school but the community as a whole. Thanks again and I sure did enjoy watching and listening to you ladies time and time again! Thank you!

-- Posted by bub on Wed, Oct 19, 2011, at 11:25 AM
CONGRATS to the Lady Tiger Softball team!!!!! What awesome things you have done these past two years! This goes to show you what can be accomplished with LOTS of hard work in the off season and after hours! I know nearly all of you put in tons of extra hours working at "The Barn", and it showed in your play. Keep up the good work...you know what it takes to win!!!

NOW...to the post above...did you hear the parent say this to the player, or were you told?!? There is a BIG difference!!! Sometimes what is heard by a child is not actually what was said...I know...I have children:) Keep that in mind before you bash someone. There are people in Nevada that have worked VERY HARD to build this program...and it has worked! Coach Holcomb has done a tremendous job with the girls, but without this "other" help...you would not have had the team you do. Also...this isn't little league anymore. Just because you play a position one year, doesn't mean you will get it next year, and from what I hear, there are several incoming freshmen next year that will not only fill open shoes, but will also challenge other players for varsity positions. That's how the world turns.

AGAIN...CONGRATS Lady Tigers...hold your heads high!!! We'll catch you next year:)))

-- Posted by tigermom10 on Mon, Oct 24, 2011, at 10:15 AM
ALSO...I can speak from experience because my daughter lost her position to an incoming freshman her senior year. She moved to the outfield, did a wonderful job, then, when the freshman had a seaon ending injury midway thru, she moved back to her position without losing a beat. You never know what may happen. You never know...this jv catcher may LOVE the outfield. You never know...she may beat out the incoming freshman. That's why they play the game...because you never know!!!

-- Posted by tigermom10 on Mon, Oct 24, 2011, at 11:01 AM

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