Cape Central softball earns first win of season

The beaming smiles and joy could be seen from anywhere as the Cape Central Tigers earned their first win of the season with a 17-7 victory over the Naylor Eagles.

It has been tough sledding so far for the Tigers as they started the year 0-10.

“It’s a growing year,” Tigers coach Jessica Compas said. “But, we’re seeing if we keep at it and keep our heads in it, good things happen.”

The Tigers’ focus is on building a foundation for beyond 2023.

Thursday’s win is the first stepping stone in that goal.

“Our big goal is to build this culture,” Compas said. “We want to change their brains to working as a team and becoming good team players and good citizens. They’re going to see successes after that. We know it’s going to take time, but we’re going to keep working.”

Compas said the onus is on the players to set the standard.

“They have to hold the rope,” Compas said. “That’s a big theme for this year. It’s just focus on the next pitch.”

Compas hopes picking up win number one will be a confidence booster for all involved.

“A lot of these girls haven’t even played before,” Compas said. “Just knowing the team has their back and the rest of the coaching staff has their back is big for them.”

For Compas and her staff, they made sure to tell the girls how proud they are of them.

“We’re just really proud of how hard our girls have worked,,” Compas said. “They’re starting to see their efforts paying off.

The Tigers offense led the charge in the big win over Naylor.

“In any game it’s who can make those first adjustments,” Compas said. “Putting the bat on the ball and making the other team work is our goal.”

The Tigers (1-10) have some time off before returning to action at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 12, when they host Sikeston.

“It’s just next pitch (mentality) every time,” Compas said. “We’re just going to keep grinding.”