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Embattled success: Boyd endures injuries amidst wins
By Richard C. White, rwhite@starlocalnews.com
Injuries have not been kind to the McKinney Boyd softball team, yet the Lady Broncos have persevered and found success all the same.
"The year is going pretty well considering all the injuries we've had," said Moe Fritz, McKinney Boyd head coach. "You can't help but be happy with the results so far."
Boyd is 10-7-1 on the year and a perfect 2-0 in District 10-5A. The Lady Broncos have endured a slew of injuries and illnesses throughout this season.
Among those injured is junior catcher Madison VanHagel, a key piece to Boyd's success. VanHagel is on the verge of returning from a broken thumb.
"She gets her cast off on Monday," Fritz said. "Depending on if she gets a brace and what the doctor says, Maddy wants to play on Tuesday, so we'll see. It might be a gradual turn."
Even if VanHagel does miss Tuesday's game against Allen, Fritz expects her to return later in the week in Friday's ballgame against Plano East.
"It will be great to get her back in the lineup," she said. "She truly is a leader for us."
VanHagel's return is tempered by the recent loss of Boyd's starting left fielder.
"Prior to Monday's game against Plano, I lost my left fielder, Jailen Douglas, to what we hope is just a knee sprain," Fritz said. "We're awaiting the results from the MRI. I'm not sure how long she'll be out at this point. If it's a sprain, it could be at least two weeks."
Sophomore Cassandra Heller has been catching in VanHagel's absence and once she returns, Heller will continue filling in for her injured teammates as Fritz plans to move her to left field in place of the injured Douglas.
Heller has not only filled in admirably for VanHagel, she's also been a difference maker at the plate.
"Cassandra will go to left field, based on what I've seen," Fritz said, "and she's been doing an amazing job at the plate. She's getting on, she's getting the hits."
Other Lady Broncos who have been doing well offensively include junior shortstop Jill Nicklas and sophomore third baseman McKenna Henry.
"Jill and McKenna have also been swinging a hot bat," Fritz said, "They've hit some big shots."
The Lady Broncos' strong start to their district schedule comes as they reacquaint themselves with their on-again, off-again rivals in the Plano ISD thanks to frequent realignment.
"There's this energy level and excitement and just being pumped to play and be back in this district has been great," Fritz said. "I'm glad to be back among these teams. You play great competition and that makes you great as well, which helps when you reach the playoffs."
Fritz won't let the easy excuse of injuries prevent her club from reaching its goal of winning the district championship.
"I always look at us being the favorites," she said. "If we go out there and just play, we're pretty tough."
As Boyd prepares for Tuesday's 7 p.m. road game against Allen, Fritz said she's most proud of her team's resiliency in the face of such constant adversity.
"Everybody has given it everything they have," she said. "We've had to put kids in all kinds of positions and they've been very versatile. They trust us in making these moves. They believe as a team we're going to get this done."
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