High School Baseball: Jayhawk-Linn 15, Crest 0, Jayhawk-Linn 18 Crest 3
For the first time in school history, the Crest Lancers played a home baseball game.
The Lancers are neck-deep in the middle of building a program right now and their 0-8 record is evidence that the growing pains are very real.
Coming into this season, head coach Roland Weir had a roster filled with upperclassmen who havent played an inning of competitive baseball since Little League or before and eager underclassmen who have grown up with travel ball but dont have the requisite leadership you get with a veteran junior or senior thats grown with the program.
Its just a lack of experience, Weir said. We walk way too many people and we commit too many errors. You cant win when youre doing that. Ive got two or three kids who consistently are putting the bat on the ball but the rest are still learning. I cant chew them out, either. Its just constant teaching.
That was all very much on display Monday evening in Colony versus Jayhawk-Linn in their 18-0 and 18-3 losses.
Both losses were wrapped up in three innings.
It probably for the benefit of the fans that the blue scoreboard in left field is still not up and running. Having said that, despite the countless errors and walked-in runs, the Lancers still found ways to make their own highlights.
The kids are trying, Weir said. Sure they get discouraged at times but they always find a way to bounce back. Its tough when someone puts 10 runs on you early in the ballgame. Its a credit to them that they keep working.
The second game versus the Jayhawks that Crest probably showed their best effort of the season. Offensively, the Lancers have not been better.
The second game was a great step forward, Weir said. The three runs were the most that weve had all season and we also had several extra-base hits that really helped. Eventually, this team will break through. Its just a teaching process right now.
The same struggles are being shared on the softball diamond as the Lady Lancers are also winless after falling to Jayhawks, 24-9 and 25-10, Monday night.
Both teams will travel to Marmaton Valley for another Three Rivers League matchup.
