It was an emotional time for the Havre softball team as the squad wrapped up its home schedule over the weekend. New Media Broadcasters caught up with senior pitcher Elle Verploegen, who was one of three players honored before their final home game. She talked about the emotion that went into the moment because of everything she’s been through on and off the field.
“It was very emotional for me,” Verploegen said. “I’ve played softball with these girls my whole life.”
“One last time at home with all the fans there, it was great,” Verploegen continued. “Growing up together even outside of softball, we’ve all been friends.”
“I was about to cry, but I knew I had to preserve through it for my team to get that win,” Verploegen said.
After getting a win over Dawson County on Saturday afternoon, the Blue Ponies will be a No. 1 seed in the Eastern ‘A’ Divisional tournament, which is set for next Friday and Saturday in Lewistown. Head coach Tony Vigliotti knows that this is just another fork in the road in this decisive part of the season, but was encouraged by his team’s play over the course of the last two games.
“It was goal No. 1 coming into the year to try and win that “Northeast” and we did that,” Vigliotti said. “(Friday) night versus Sidney (and) Saturday afternoon versus Glendive (was) (10-0) and (7-0).”
“Elle threw great. She’s getting better and better,” Vigliotti continued. “Defensively, we made the right plays.”
“We’re going the right direction and that’s really the way we want to be playing towards the end of the year,” Vigliotti said. “That’s how we should be playing and that’s what (the players are) doing.”
Stay tuned later this week for a preview on the Havre softball regular season finale.
