Strategy, mix up pitcher assignments, have pitchers stay on top of hitters even if they give up more homeruns. Single homeruns don't hurt as much as multiple run homers like Pitt did to us. Of course we did the same thing to them and other teams, but truly a team can win a lot of games by the pitchers getting ahead of the batters. Our pitchers need to realize, that staying ahead of the hitters is the name of the game. Pitchers mentality is to try and strike out every batter, but this is not necessary with the excellent defense we have, the prolific offense we display game in and game out. I coached high school softball with average to below average pitchers; but I built my team around making the opponent hit the ball, and our lock down defense shut down the opponent and having a hitting team that displayed power, speed, and consistent base hitters who set the table for our power hitters. Using this strategy works when you don't even have one shut down pitcher. I coached in the inner city of Lynchburg, and our little league feeder system was not good at developing shut down type pitchers like Emma Lemley at JF, or Katie Phillips at Rustburg, or Jordan Dail at Brookville, just to name a few. So great defense, a pitcher that throws strikes to get on top of hitters, and a above average hitting team finished 1st my second year in the Western District and were runner ups against Halifax the first year. Both seasons we qualified for the state regionals. Our Lady Hokies Softball Team is capable of doing great things this season and beyond. We must try to keep our program together by paying our excellent coaches more money, continue to recruit at a high level, and our fans continue to support our young ladies! Go Hokies!