Young standouts have Lady Raiders primed for 2017

The L.D. Bell softball team enjoyed its best season since 2012, advancing to the second round of the playoffs and winning the District 7-6A championship.

With only four seniors on this season’s squad, there’s every indication the success will continue next season as Bell moves into a new district.

Bell’s roster this season featured two freshmen, three sophomores and four juniors. The four seniors were shortstop Valerie Page (.465 batting average, 19 RBI), utility player Nathalie Concha (15 runs), outfielder/third baseman Brilee Krajca (15 RBI) and second baseman Hannah Duda (.300 average, 13 RBI).

Those seniors played a major role in the success of this season, head coach Thomas Shives said. He praised their entire high school careers.

“Besides on the field, I would say pride in the program,” he said, describing their roles. “They’re the most decorated class to come through here, two district championships and a bi-district championship, and playoffs the other years.

“I think that’s the most important thing they tried to pass on to the younger classes. Take ownership in the program. Bell softball, it’s our team.”

The Lady Raiders (20-11) have reached the playoffs six consecutive seasons. This season, en route to winning district, they relied on a solid offense and stingy defense to support great pitching, particularly by freshman sensation Kallie Erwin (15-4, 1.48 ERA, 147 strikeouts, 37 walks, 118.2 innings).

“I think they learned to believe in themselves, and that they can compete with the best teams in the area and state,” Shives said, noting that experience could help the team go even farther next season.

The top returning hitter was also the team leader in batting. Sophomore catcher/infielder Randi Castillo finished with a .488 average, eight doubles and 36 RBI. Also, sophomore outfielder/pitcher Alicia Marion batted .443, sophomore first baseman/outfielder Peyton Newman batted .330 with 10 extra-base hits (6 doubles, 4 triples) and 22 RBI, and Erwin hit .333 with 23 RBI.

As a team, the Lady Raiders batted .339 with an on-base percentage of .418. Their team ERA was 2.49.

The Lady Raiders’ exciting season included a thriller to end the regular season that saw them defeat Southlake Carroll 6-0 to clinch the district title. Had they lost that game, the Lady Dragons would have won the championship, as Bell’s lone loss was to Carroll and that would have given the Lady Dragons a sweep of their district matchups.

The atmosphere was electric, and Shives said it was the highlight of the season.

“It was a great atmosphere and the girls performed well,” he said.

The Lady Raiders followed with a bi-district sweep of Duncanville, 2-0 and 4-2. Their season ended against Keller Timber Creek, 6-4 and 5-1.

And now the Lady Raiders will move into District 5-6A with rival Euless Trinity, Carroll, Lewisville, Flower Mound, Lewisville Hebron, Flower Mound Marcus and Northwest Nelson. Along with Bell, Carroll advanced to the second round of the playoffs, while Flower Mound and Nelson reached bi-district.

“Wow, what a district,” Shives said, noting the district features historically tough teams. “If you can make it out, teams have been successful in the playoffs, in all sports.”

Along with the returners, Shives is counting on help from some subvarsity players next season.

“They did pretty well, but we had to deal with a lot of injuries,” he said of the subvarsity teams this season. “We could never get a consistent lineup out there because of that.

“But we have some girls that can play a little, with a big freshman class. If they all commit to getting better and staying together, they will help us win games in the future.”

And for all players, Shives has some advice for what to do between now and next season.

“Get themselves outside of their comfort zones. Put themselves out there and commit to getting better, skill-wise, mentally and physically,” he said. “We’re not good enough right now to compete and win all the games we want to next year. Our whole program has to be better. We need to continue to move forward. No excuses.”

This story was originally published May 23, 2016 at 11:44 AM with the headline "Young standouts have Lady Raiders primed for 2017."