With spring sports starting, the Robinson softball team held tryouts on Monday, Jan. 24 at 3 p.m. and Tuesday, Jan. 25 at 4 p.m. this year. Having four fresh faces on the team, the Lady Knights are back and more ready than ever.

Robinson softball ended their season at playoffs against Lake Region High last year. With 23 wins in the 2020-21 season and being ranked no.4 in the 4A division, the team is prepared to overcome more challenges.

“We had an excellent season going 23-5, setting multiple team records, although it did not end as we hoped,” said Coach Ed Gallio. “The challenges come this season… Lake Region is the team that eliminated us from the playoffs last season and now with them being in our district, it’s making things a little harder.”

This season, 12 players returned with their heads already in the game. The five captains, Sydney Hall (’22), Cassidy Lund (’22), Lindsey Chadwick (’22), JC Thaxton (’23) and Riley Onisawa (’23) have many goals in their minds.

“My specific goal for this year is to beat Plant, but to also raise school spirit for softball and to play my game,” Onisawa said. “I hope to see a lot of people come out and support us.”

Along with the returning and new captains, there is a great balance of upper and underclassmen on the team. And just like any other softball player, the Lady Knights hopes to make it to State Finals this year.

“The team played extremely well last season, never giving in or giving up,” Gallio said. “They were down multiple runs but they only come fighting back and winning more.”

The Lady Knights had their first away game of the season against Durant on Tuesday, Feb. 22 at 7 p.m.

“I’ve been playing for Robinson softball for four years and I’m looking forwards to being able to play with my teammates and finish my high school career on a good note,” Lund said.