Valley programs continue to build

MAT-SU — The Houston Hawks celebrated a little piece of history Saturday afternoon.

The Hawks scored an 11-4 win over Skyview to earn their first win on their new softball field at Houston High School.

“That’s something you’ll never be able to take away from those girls,” Houston head coach Mat Bredberg said.

Bredberg said he hopes the victory is a building block for the program, which is back competing at the varsity level. The Hawks are only two years removed from resurrection of the sport after a hiatus at Houston High. Last year, Houston competed only as a junior varsity team.

Since the sport returned to Houston High, participation has been solid. This year there are 25 players on the Houston roster.

“That’s pretty good for our school size,” Bredberg said.

Pitcher Emelia Loveless, infielder Kylie Gordon and shortstop Vickie Baybado are among the leaders on the team, Bredberg said. Loveless pitched a complete game during the win over the Panthers.

Senior Savanna James, a basketball standout at Houston, has also joined the team, and will place first base. Bredberg also noted catcher Angilique Malidore.

The Hawks will compete in the small schools class against teams such as Kenai, Soldotna and Kodiak.

Houston is one three programs in the Valley where coaches are working to build program.

Like Houston, Palmer High also went without a program, but the Moose are now in their third year since softball returned to Palmer High.

Head coach Shanna Omer said that, despite its youth, her squad continues to improve.

“We have a very young team, but they just keep getting better and better,” Omer said. “There are no seniors on the team, but most of them have been playing for three years.”

Brooke Simmerman and Suzanne Grogan are among the leaders in the Moose program.

Wasilla sports a team made up primarily by underclassmen, but head coach Donell Polk said he’s pleased with the progress of his players.

“They’ve made great improvement,” Polk said. “These girls, they’re amazing.”

Ambriel Sandone, Elisa Gamaz and catcher Johnna Elkins are among the leaders on the Wasilla team. Polk said he is also excited about freshman Cassidy Edwards, a pitcher and infielder.

Colony, led by a group of veterans, boasts the strongest program in the Valley. The Knights have advanced to the state tournament in each of the last four years and have a number of players returning with state tourney experience.

Among the veterans back are seniors Saige Stefanksi (first base) and Devan Clark (shortstop), and juniors Sam Everett (catcher) and Olivia Martin (pitcher and outfield).

Colony head coach Mike Stewart said that group will also bat in the heart of Colony’s lineup.

Palmer, Wasilla and Colony compete in the large schools Railbelt Conference against schools such as West Valley, North Pole and Juneau-Douglas. The top four teams from the conference advance to the state tournament, which is scheduled for June 1-2 at Cartee Fields in Anchorage.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com and follow him at twitter.com/matsu_sports.