The 2017 season for the North Atlanta Softball team is nearing a close. In the face of tough competition and more than a few lopsided losses, the team has still managed to keep its spirits up and its sense of teamwork strong.

The season kicked off with their first game on August 14 with a loss to Riverwood. On the bright side, the team has won two games this season, a 16-0 clocking of Creekside and a 16-0 destruction of cross-city rival Grady. But on the not so bright side, there have been one-sided losses to teams like Alpharetta, Pace, Northview, Cambridge, Johns Creek and Pace. Competition within the region of 7-AAAAAA always makes for a challenge. Team captains say while the team’s win-loss record might not indicate progress, there has been much to celebrate this year.

Sheena Varghese is the team’s faculty coach and she’s assisted by community coaches Scott Sizemore and Andy Cimowsky. Former Warrior softball coach Lisa Oglesby is also acting as a volunteer coaching consultant.

Varghese, now in her third year at the helm of Warrior softball, continues to focus on the positives that the season has revealed. “This region is highly competitive but the girls have been making a lot of progress over the season and playing better with less errors than we’ve seen in years,” she said. “I’ve heard compliments from many of the region coaches we play against about how much better we’re playing defensively this year. It’s affirming to hear that.”

The team captains are senior first baseman Mariel Walts and junior shortstop Caroline Partlowe. When things are not going well on the field, it’s their job to accentuate the positives. “This year we have become much more tight-knit on and off the field,” said Partlowe. “In addition we have freshman this year who have come in with a positive mentality and a determination to grow the program.”

Last year the team endured a 1-18 record with just one win in region play. Powerhouses like Cambridge and Pope continue to dominate the region with well- developed programs.

For Warrior softball during the 2017 campaign, victories have been hard to come by. But the Warrior spirit remains undimmed.