By Audrey Dodgen/Staff Writer

Nine days after its first sweep of the Norman North Timberwolves, the El Reno High School softball team was back in action at home, earning two victories over the visitors from Norman.

The Indians finished their summer season with 14-1 and 10-1 wins, said coach Lynetta Keller. She said she exhorted the team to maintain their intensity.

“I told them to keep it up and not miss any signals. We’d already beaten this team, but we still had bases to run and things to work on,” she said.

The summer season afforded Keller the opportunity to evaluate young talent which will join the team in the coming years.

“Conner Bushyhead will help us immensely, both offensively and on defense. She is a smart ballplayer,” she said.

Keller said Bushyhead, who will join the team as a freshman in the fall, will see considerable time at third base.

The influx of young players, coupled with the loss of three starters in last year’s seniors, will force adjustments to the Indians positions in the field.

“I don’t have a lot of set positions. We have a lot of girls who can play a lot of places. I know that when Bre (Carpenter) is pitching, we’ll be seeing a lot of Kelly Mogg on first base,” she said.

Mogg has made tremendous strides in improving her game, Keller said.

“Her feet have gotten faster, she’s getting down and dirty more. Coach (Kevin) Jumper and I were just talking about how we’re happy she’s coming right along.”

While questions remain about the fall lineup, the Indians have solidified their basic skill sets during the summer.

“They’ve gained a lot of confidence in their base running. They know they can steal bases effectively,” Keller said.

The Indians head into the fall with three seniors, Sarah Apple, Bre Carpenter and Andrea Dyer.

“They compliment each other well. Sarah is a great leader and is always willing to help out, even though she’s still learning the game,” Keller said.

“I’m really happy with the girls.”