Nicole Reitz takes a turn at bat and gets a hit.
Peggy Jones
McDougal Park is full of softball players again. By the end of summer each team will have played 17 games. As long as they persevere, they're bound to improve. There is no teacher like experience.
Last Monday and Thursday night, eight teams challenged each other in the park's two usable fields.
"Ultimately, we would like to get the third field usable again," says Phillip Schmith, the Lovelock Softball Association president. They also hope to redo and cover the dugouts. Shade structures prevent sunburn and heat exhaustion for spectators and players, making a more enjoyable experience for everyone.
"We have a lot of plans to improve all the facilities at McDougal Sports Complex. We are working with other volunteer organizations in town as well as city and county officials," says Schmith.
On Aug. 4 they'll host a major fundraiser - "Bombs Away for Summer." It will include a home run derby, a corn hole tournament and games for kids. All of the proceeds will go to improving the fields and complex.
But, for now, twice a week, everyone focuses on softball for a few hours.
At press time each team had two games under their belt. Brew Crew, Thick N Wild, Wolf Pack and Smokin' Aces won both of their matches. Goyo's Garage, US Silica, the Weekend Warriors and Modelo Time had more mixed results.
One thing's for sure. They'll all be back for more.
The games start at 6, 7, and 8 p.m.