Lady Yellowjackets dominate opening week

August 17, 2020 |

Choctaw begins softball season with 5-0 district run

By Ryan Horton
Managing Editor

Choctaw’s Lady Yellowjackets hit the ground running unscathed through five district games in week one.

Choctaw High School opened softball season with a 14-1 over Bixby, Aug. 11.

With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic putting sports and activities at risk daily, CHS was excited to finally take the field.

Choctaw’s Emma Jackson pitches against Bixby in the season opener.
(PHOTO BY RYAN HORTON)

After missing the spring slowpitch season entirely and all summer activities, the Lady Yellowjackets rushed through a brief practice schedule and hit the ground running through all opening week challengers.

After dominating Bixby in a Tuesday night opener, CHS went on to top Enid Thursday and Bartlesville Friday, both double headers.

CHS rolled Enid, 10-0 and then 11-1.

The next day Choctaw dropped Bartlesville, 12-2 and 14-5.

With a busy first week the Lady Jackets improved to 5-0 in district play.

“To finally start our season was nice. We got about three weeks of practice, and it was a long three weeks. It’s nice to finally play someone other than ourselves. We got one week of scrimmages and did pretty well,” said head coach Lindsey Mudgett.

As usual, Choctaw has plans of a postseason run.

This year’s squad is young, featuring 10 ninth graders, but is anchored with some leadership in three seniors that are expected to make a big impact in Class 6A to cap their high school careers.

“We have a young group here, but I feel like some strong and effective leaders. I’m excited for them. We had three freshmen starting, and half our team is freshmen. That leaves a lot of room to grow,” said Mudgett. “Seniors are looking strong. I expect this to be a breakout season for them.”

Two of Choctaw’s seniors make up the battery with Kaiden Boren at the plate and Emma Jackson on the mound.

Chloe Coonce is the third senior helping lead the team.

“We want to make noise. These girls have a lot of drive and desire to get back to the state tournament. As coaches, we’re going to keep them confident and work them in practice. Their job is to go out, have fun, and play with passion. The rest speaks for itself,” said Mudgett. “This team has a really good chemistry. They’re really coming together and learning a lot about each other.”

Photos of CHS vs. Bixby by Ryan Horton