Goshen softball has plans to make return trip to Montgomery in 2014

Goshen head softball coach Amy Warrick has cried her fair share since the passing of Dee Hughes in September 2013. So have the members of the Lady Eagles. But all agree that now is not the time to shed tears, it is time to honor Hughes by doing the only thing they know how: get to work.

The Lady Eagles finished the 2013 season as one of the final eight teams in the state, and played on the season’s final day at Lagoon Park in Montgomery. But just getting a taste of the Elite Eight wasn’t enough. Warrick says her group wants to go farther.

“They aren’t satisfied,” said Warrick. “They still have the hunger to keep wanting to get better. It will take a combined effort from all of our pitchers, and our hitters will have to make up for losing Shelby (Vinson). But we are coming together, and these girls know what the expectations are.”

Goshen’s roster doesn’t feature many seniors, but the Lady Eagles have players that are used to being in big game situations. The Lady Eagles return a large core of last year’s squad, including All-Area Team members Samantha Roy, Fran Warrick, Katie Thomas, Haley Hughes, Lizzie Galloway and Casey Allen.

Warrick likes the fact that her team has been together for so long.

“They work really well together, and know how to push each other,” Warrick said. “They are kind of like a big family, and that has helped us get through the loss of Dee. They hold one another accountable. They care about each other emotionally, not just softball-wise.”

Though she knows it’s coming, Warrick doesn’t know what to expect the first time she steps in the third base coach’s box.

“It will be different,” said Warrick. “I’m sure it will be emotional, but Dee wanted us to be as prepared as possible. We are going to be strong, and we are going to go to work, because Dee wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Goshen opens the 2014 softball season against Carroll of Ozark on Feb. 20.