By BOB SNELL
The Progress
The Virgin Valley High School softball program has enjoyed a successful run the last three seasons. Three consecutive 3A South Regional titles, runner-up at state two years ago and a third-place finish last season. The Lady Bulldogs have gone a combined 85-6 over that span. A very impressive run, indeed.
While several of the key players during that time have moved on, there is still some talent left in the cupboard, albeit mostly younger, heading into the 2024 campaign.
“We’ve got a great group of ladies who, for the most part, are fairly young and inexperienced,” VVHS head coach Travis Griffiths said. “But, we do have some players that have been with us for a while.”
Griffiths, who is entering his 12th season at the helm of the Lady Bulldogs, will lean on his three returning seniors – Reggi Frei, Natalie Plancarte and Ana Tausinga.
Frei has been the table setter the past two seasons batting in the leadoff spot. She will also be counted on to contribute more inside the circle along with sophomore Julia Leavitt. The duo will also interchange at shortstop when not pitching.
Plancarte returns at third base where she provides solid defense. She also will be a consistent bat in the lineup.
Tausinga is a smooth defender at first base who provides power at the plate and will drive in runs.
Sophomores Ashley Anguiano, Hayden Owsley and Davie Slack along with juniors Mercedes Jordan and Blythe Mosher will also be in the mix this season.
Incoming freshmen Ava Noel and Maddy Wright are also expected to see playing time with the varsity.
“Our goal this year will be to work on getting better each week and qualify for the postseason,” Griffiths said.
An interesting side note to the upcoming season has been the question of where will the Lady Bulldogs play their home games.
The Clark County School District is taking out all of the grass on both the softball and baseball fields at VVHS and replacing it with artificial turf. The school in turn worked out a deal with the City of Mesquite to play its home games at Hunter Park.
The project was then pushed back to early March. Now, it has been delayed until mid-April.
“We’re going to play on our field at the high school until at least April 15,” Griffiths said. “We’ll stay there as long as we can until they ask us to leave.”
The Lady Bulldogs opened their season on the road at The Meadows School in Las Vegas on Monday. They will play their home opener against Sunrise Mountain of Las Vegas on Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. and then travel to Alamo for the Panther Invitational Friday and Saturday at Pahranagat Valley High School.
