The Workhorse and The Utility Player

By Jeremy McDonald

jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com

DALLAS, Ore.– Looking back, Sophia Honse knew it wasn’t too much of a challenge with the pressure of playing at the High School level entering then-her freshman year at Sprague High School.

With some experience in the club circuit entering that year prepared her for that sure as the Olympians went 10-15 and 7-7 in the Mountain Valley Conference her freshman year. Now entering her Junior year, it was a matter of working on the little things for the Olys pitcher moving forward.

“I wouldn’t say it was too much of a challenge…it was pretty fun,” said Honse, a second-team All-MVC selection her freshman year. “It’s really nice, I’ve been getting a lot of time. I’ve noticed I’m getting a lot better. I’ve learned situation for batters a lot better, like what pitches to throw. Throwing it off the plate more and not leaving it on the plate, I’ve done a lot better with that.”

Honse delivering a pitch Saturday afternoon in Dallas against the Bandits 16U (Picture By Jeremy McDonald)

Entering Sunday’s final two games, Honse has struck out four batters in seven innings to four earned runs against her. Appearing games against the Ai Bandits Breer 16U Friday evening and Saturday afternoon at the Lyle Sports Complex for the NW Bullets Duman 16U squad.

Her Bullets teammate, South Salem’s Emma Cordero, has been seeing action across the field this weekend.

Friday she lined up at catcher, played in the Bullets second game and saw action at second base and shortstop. Funny thing is, midway through the sixth inning of their Saturday afternoon, Cordero was told to switch with Yamhill-Carlton infielder Kati Slater; something out of the ordinary for both players during a game.

“It was weird but, I mean you got to do what you got to do,” smiled Cordero.

Cordero directing traffic mid-play during the sixth inning from her shortstop position for the NW Bullets-Duman squad (Picture By Jeremy McDonald)

Similar to Saxon teammate Delaney Keith, who was lining up in different positions for the NW Bullets-Campos team this Fall, Cordero has been showing off her versatility and her ability to adapt on the run.

“It’s nice to know that I can help my teammates out, especially me and Delaney. She plays everywhere too, wherever (Coach Scott McCormmick) needs her and it’s nice that we can always move around and help him out, help out the team,” said Cordero.

South is expected to be in a dogfight for the MVC-title in the Spring with McNary, West Salem and Bend.

With the final two games Sunday, at 8am and 2pm back at the Lyle Sports Complex, the hopes is to finish strong and build some momentum moving forward for the Duman squad.

“I think just come out with a lot of energy and ready to swing,” said Honse.

“ We just got to really work as a team, all be loud and energized,” adds Cordero. “That’s what really keeps us going through the games is that team spirit. You got to know you got everyone’s back. Once we start to get down on ourselves and be quiet, that’s when it starts to go downhill.”

Photos By Jeremy McDonald