Season Preview – Milan Girls’ Softball Look to Repeat as Huron League Champs

The Milan Big Reds Girls’ softball team is looking to improve on an impressive 2009-10 season that saw them finish 33-7, win the Huron League and become District Champions. They fell to Tecumseh in the Regional Finals.

Milan head coach Stacey Heams looks for better things this season. 

“[We] want to go further this year,” Heams said

With the strong lineup that returns all but one player from last year, the Big Reds will have a good chance to do so. They have three players already committed to playing at the college level after they graduate. Nena Doran, who will play on the left side of the infield and bat cleanup, signed with the Cleveland State. Kat Hoffman, the ace of the pitching staff, and Vanessa Garcia, who will play either shortstop or third, will continue on together with the University of Detroit. Kaitlin Mitchell and Tina Rodriguez highlight the outfield for Milan.

Coach Heams was confident in her team’s ability this year. She liked her pitching staff, was extremely happy with the ability of her team to hit. She did, however, have some areas that needed improvement.

“We need more consistency. We started out at the beginning of last season crushing the ball, and this year we want to see it all season. We’re also doing a lot more running drills and quick feet drills, so hopefully we’ll have more speed this season,” said Heams.

The Big Reds will open their season on April 1 at home against Belleville.