Bakersfield Lady Lions softball team hold 16-4 record after history-making season
The Bakersfield Lady Lions softball team took second place in districts last week. Pictured, from left: Nikki Enos, Haidynn Kaiser, Addi Mayberry, Shiloh Bean, Lexi Clarkson, Eden Cotter, Aubrey Luna, Rosie Rogers, Carrleigh Green, Kelsey Cotter, Sheyenne Foster, Ellie Wells and Hayley Norton. Front row: seniors Keely Stevens, Miley Edens and Paige Crites.
The Bakersfield Lady Lions saw a historic softball season come to an end Tuesday night with a 9-2 loss to Plato in the championship game of the Class 1 District 4 Tournament.
Despite the defeat, the Lady Lions finished with a 16-7 record and reached the district championship round for the first time in 15 years, marking one of the program’s most successful seasons in recent memory.
Head coach Cainen McGinnis praised his team’s effort and character following the game.
“Not the result any of us wanted but I’m proud of our ladies tonight,” McGinnis said. “There aren’t a whole lot of words to say other than they have set the standard of what it takes to be a winner, and they have lived up to that standard every single day both on and off the field, including today. They show up and compete every single day and more importantly are great people who represent our program and community with such class. Proud is definitely an understatement. They are winners in my book.”
McGinnis also reflected on the journey of the team’s senior class — Miley Edens, Paige Crites and Keely Stevens — and the role they played in the turnaround of the program.
“When I took over this softball program their sophomore year, we didn’t see eye to eye on a lot of things, but these three girls trusted the process and kept showing up every single day,” McGinnis said. “Their sophomore year they were a part of a below .500 team that only won eight games, to their junior year not being able to practice and having to travel on the road every single game due to the tornado, and then their senior year … most wins in 15 years, conference champions, ranked No. 9 in the state, and playing for a district championship for the first time in 15 years.”
“Don’t tell me these girls aren’t winners,” he added. “They have grown up right in front of our eyes, and I will always be so thankful for their leadership and the love that they have for their teammates, town and community.”
The Lady Lions’ season included a conference championship, a state ranking and a deep postseason run that energized the Bakersfield community throughout the fall.
McGinnis also thanked the community for its support during the memorable season.
“Thank you to everyone for supporting all of these ladies this season,” he said.