The Sports Breakdown features players sharing their strategies and plays behind one of their games to help viewers get a better understanding of how the game went about. 

This week, The Sidekick staff photographer Neveah Jones talks with Coppell softball seniors Sydney Ingle, Dafne Mercado, Laura Boylan and juniors Katherine Miller and ElleBelle Zimmerman, who share their thoughts and strategies behind their Senior Night game against Plano East on April 13 at the Coppell ISD Baseball/Softball Complex, which Coppell won, 11-1

Each player faced their own challenges, but they overcame them with fast thinking and a strategic approach that set the direction of the game for victory. According to Miller, to keep the “hitting rally alive,” players primarily bunted or hit ground balls. 

The Breakdown 

Coppell was down a run at the top of the second inning, but after Zimmerman stole home, the team gained a lead and maintained it for the rest of the game. As the game progressed, Coppell scored nine runs total in innings 3 and 4.

Coppell senior third baseman Reagan Stange followed Zimmerman’s lead with an RBI double in the bottom of the third inning, closing the gap between Coppell and Plano East to two runs. In the bottom of the fifth, Coppell players hit two RBI doubles and singles, as well as an RBI triple, raising the score to 9-1. Coppell won the game on the mercy rule after senior designated player Adeyln Wilson hit an infield home run to bring the score to 11-1.

Overall, communication and teamwork was key for the direction of the game but this season was difficult for Coppell. Following losses against Flower Mound, Plano West and Lewisville, the team missed the playoffs. Follow Neveah (@neveahxjones) and @SidekickSports on Twitter and @thesidekickcoppell on Instagram and TikTok.