The win-loss record doesn't tell the whole story for the Heritage Christian softball team at this point in the season. Some might look at the 8-11 record and express pessimism. Yet coach Rich Bailey is enthused about his team as it hits  the home stretch of its regular season before playing in sectional competition.

We would love run the table for the remaining part of regular season schedule," Bailey said. "Our players are excited to see the teams coming up in our schedule since they are not the bigger perennial powers, which gives a better chance to win."

The second-year coach also is looking toward the future of the program, where he sees only bright possibilities ahead. His program is one of building, particularly at the junior-varsity level that feeds talent to the varsity team.  

2010 team surpasses last year's wins

Last year, the junior varsity softball team did not win a game last season and currently is 3-4. Meanwhile the varsity squad has already surpassed last year's six wins by grinding out eight victories so far this year.

The Eagles lost two starters off last year's squad, but there is no shortage of teammates who take turns contributing to the success of the program this season. Junior pitcher Lynnette Saver leads the staff with seven wins while freshman Christina Kirkpatrick leads the team with over 20 stolen bases and is hitting over .450. Senior Bailey Doss plays virtually every position on the team while junior Rachel Budreau plays left field and is hitting a hefty .360.

"These girls have done  a superb job leading our team this year," Bailey said. "I am proud how they have competed on the field this year."

Heritage Christian, who competes in the Central Indiana Independent Conference, plays Elwood and Brebeuf Jesuit this week. The team  gaining confidence heading into the last month of its schedule and is prepared to gain some much needed momentum heading into the sectional  at the end of May.

"We are just trying to rebuild our program and are coming to a part of our schedule where we are not playing the bigger schools, so  we think we will have a much better shot at competing," Bailey said.

The Eagles recently played Bishop Chatard and Roncalli, both strong teams in 3A competition while Heritage Christian is a 2A program. Some other remaining teams on the schedule include Cardinal Ritter, Covenant Christian and Indianapolis Manual.

Heritage Christian competes at the sectional hosted by Scecina Memorial. The other teams who compete in the sectional are: Indian Creek, Cardinal Ritter, Indianapolis George Washington Community, Park Tudor and Triton Central. Heritage Christian took it on the chin in competing in last week's city tourney, but with good reason.

"We did not have our number-one player when we competed in the city tourney and we will have her back for the sectionals," Bailey said. "We did not her because she was in a choir competition where she finished second."

Bailey said his team makes a goal to do its best throughout the season and especially in sectional competition, but it is not the main one.

Concentrating on improving with every game

"We do not focus on winning the sectional like other teams do," Bailey said. "We are a very young team, and we want to concentrate on getting better each regular season game. Each game we win in the sectional is just gravy for us."

 Bailey said he is excited to be with his current players and looking at who will soon be with the team to add toward its success.

Lindsey Swan, Elizabeth Douglass, Annie Eggleston and Bailey Doss look to be leaders of the future for the Eagles.

"I am extremely pumped about where our team is headed," Bailey said. "These girls know a lot more than our players did just two years ago, and we now have a junior varsity team that will just feed into the program and add to its success in the future."