In a game that tested the Ridgefield Spudders’ ability to respond to adversity, Ridgefield proved it has both the depth and mentality to compete with some of the area’s tougher teams.
Ridgefield’s varsity softball squad concluded its opening stretch of six non-league games in impressive fashion, overcoming a 3-0 deficit to the Prairie Falcons in the Spudders’ 10-4 victory on Friday, March 27. The win improved the Spudders to 6-0 on the young season, outscoring their opponents 72-17.
The March 27 win adds to Ridgefield's already impressive non-league stretch, which has featured quality opponents by design. The Spudders are also integrating a younger lineup with several key seniors graduating from the program last year. Also, with former head coach Kelsey Anchors moving to another state, veteran assistant coach Greg Ferguson has stepped into the lead role for the program.
“It’s kind of one of those you never know what you’re going to get, and, there’s been times out here I’ve looked out and there’s four, five sophomores out on the field playing and very much contributing,” new Spudders head coach Greg Ferguson said. “I’m just impressed with them. I had confidence that they were going to do it.”
Ferguson did have questions about whether his squad would gel and compete the way they did this early in the season. However, those concerns have been answered with their consistent effort and production across the field.
“We are ahead of where I think we thought we were going to be, and so I am really impressed with them,” Ferguson added.
In Ferguson’s first season as head coach, Spudder leadership has focused on building trust with players and allowing them to rely on their experience. Rather than helicopter coaching, the emphasis has been on giving athletes the freedom to make adjustments, have fun, and play with confidence.
That approach has resonated with the team, which has displayed a loose, but focused mindset on the field and in the dugout.
“We were down here for what, three innings and just, honestly, looking in that dugout seeing everybody up and on the fence and no doubt in anyone’s mind,” Ferguson said of his team’s determination to overcome adversity. “That’s exciting, you know. As a coach, that is super exciting that these kids, these athletes, are just ready to roll. They trust each other, and they don’t get down on each other. They can fight through some adversity, some calls that they got and they know it was both ways.”
When the going gets tough amid disagreements over umpire calls, Ferguson has prepared his team to simply “embrace the weird.” Which isn’t just about disagreements, but whatever the sport may throw their way.
“I always tell them to expect the weird,” he said. “If you expect it to get strange and it doesn’t: cool. But expect it to, because it probably will. What’s awesome is that I feel like they’re grasping it and they’re listening to it. You know, and since they’re grasping it, they’re trusting it and understanding what we’re talking about.”
Now that the non-league stretch is over, the Spudders now look to the 2A Greater St. Helens League, which has some powerhouses all looking towards the postseason.
After a matchup against the Washougal Panthers on Monday, March 30, with results unavailable at press time, the Spudders look to face off against three of their likely toughest opponents starting on April 1 against the Columbia River Rapids on the road. The next day, the Spudders will host the Mark Morris Monarchs on Thursday, April 2 and won’t square off against the Woodland Beavers on home turf until Tuesday, April 14, after Spring Break.
The Prairie Falcons next faced off against Camas High School on Tuesday, March 31, but results were unavailable at press time, the Falcons next are slated to play Seton Catholic at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1, the Battle Ground Tigers at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 2, and the Camas Papermakers again on Friday, April 3 at 4:30 p.m., all at home.
