HELENA — Many softball teams around Montana are still trying to figure out who they are after losing last season to the COVID-19 pandemic and, in effect, their senior leadership, but the Helena High Bengals feel like they have an edge with three seniors this year who got a good bit of varsity experience their sophomore years.
“I think that it brings some experience and puts in perspective of how past teams have practiced and what we should be looking for for our future teams,” said Amber Countryman.
While the Bengals are still on the hunt for that first State AA title, that doesn’t mean it can't be fun. For Reegan Walsh, one of the seniors who saw a good bit of playing time her sophomore year, last year’s layoff just makes it that much more exciting to get out and be around her teammates.
“I'm excited for these girls. I mean, last year I got to know all of them. I got to know a lot of them, but we didn't get to completely meet up. So this year, I'm just excited to play with some of my senior friends. I know that some of us are going different ways. So I'm just super excited to get the last couple months of my senior year with them,” said Walsh.
As for how they’re attacking this season, Walsh said the Bengals are just taking it day by day because with COVID-19 still playing a factor, it's hard to imagine what the future of their season could look like.
“I think one thing we're going to go by this year is kind of 'Win the day,' so take every rep like maybe there's no practice tomorrow and COVID-19 something happens. So I think it's just, 'Win the day for the day,'" said Walsh. “Trying to take every day, you never know when it's going to be your last day in the program for a couple of weeks or I mean towards the end of the season. It could be the end of your season, so I think we just need to cherish today.”
The Helena High Bengals will open their season on April 3 when they host the Bozeman Gallatin Raptors and the Bozeman High Hawks.
