DUNCAN —
When the Duncan Lady Demons captured the regional championship last Friday afternoon, it was a special occasion for everyone involved with the softball program.
But, for the three senior starters on the squad, it was a much bigger accomplishment.
Right fielder Brieanna Webb, center fielder Rachel Cooper, and shortstop Courtney Moore are the last remaining members from the Lady Demons’ last state tournament squad in 2009.
“The majority of kids across the state never get to compete at a state tournament,” Duncan coach Robert Cowan said. “In Class 5A it’s about 25 percent of all the kids get to participate in a state tournament. To get the chance to be in multiple state tournaments is an honor. All three players bring different things to the table and are all very talented.
“Brie has had some of her best moments this season, especially last week. Rachel hit .531 last season and is a huge part of our offense. For the first half of the season, Courtney Moore was our offense, so we rely heavily on all three of them.”
Perhaps the only thing the seniors would like to be different about this trip to ASA Hall of Fame Stadium, would be the outcome.
Despite outhitting Collinsville 10-4, the Lady Demons came out on the losing end of things in October of 2009, falling 2-0 in the state semifinals.
The game hasn’t been forgotten in the minds of the Lady Demons who are returning to Oklahoma City this week.
“I feel accomplished, because this is what we wanted to do at the beginning of the season,” Moore said about making the state tournament. “We didn’t compete very well last time we were at state. I don’t remember much about the game, but I remember getting beat out.”
Cooper added she remembers the intensity of the squad from ‘09 and hopes this years team has that same fire.
“I remember how bad we wanted it and how hard we had worked,” she said. “Things didn’t go in our favor but I still have some great memories with the girls. This year we’re a closer group, and we work extremely well as a team.”
For Webb however, when the Lady Demons last appeared in OKC, she wasn’t a member on the starting squad. She said she’s excited about the fact this time around, she’ll be contributing on the field.
“It’s kind of hard to believe we’ve all been to one state tournament before,” Webb said. “I’m really happy this time around though, that I’m going to be starting. Seeing the starters last year made me want to work hard to get out there. I’ve been working really hard to get here.”
Grove will provide the opposition Thursday night at 5 p.m. for the Lady Demons, and all three seniors have their sights set on a state championship.
“It makes me feel great knowing I’ve worked to get to this point,” Cooper said. “This wasn’t handed to me by any means. I’d love to win and get that ring, because it would probably never come off my hand.”
Moore added this year’s team has exceeded her expectations, and she’s hopes they can finish this journey together, with a win.
“From the beginning of this year, I never thought we would make it this far,” she said. “But we’ve all worked hard and it’s paid off. Finishing my senior year with a ring is one of my goals. It would mean everything to me.”
Webb emphasized with her teammate.
“It would mean everything to win state,” she said. “Considering this is my first year starting, winning would be huge for me.”
Sports
Related Photos
-
Duncan seniors Brieanna Webb, left, Courtney Moore, middle and Rachel Cooper are the only three Lady Demons who will be making their second appearance at the state tournament on Thursday night. Evan Grice/The Duncan Banner
WELCOME BACK
Trio of Duncan seniors set for second trip to state
- Sports
-
-
Throwing his way to the top
His father Craig starred in track at Oklahoma State after a decorated high school career. His younger brother Connor was named an AAU All-American, won the AAU Club National/ESPN Rise Games in the discus throw and competed in the AAU Junior Olympics last summer.
-
College basketball coach will run Simmons Center camps
As Lori Belcher and Junior Harris prepared for the Simmons Center’s summer youth basketball camps, they decided to ask a friend of Harris’ to come to Duncan and act as the camps’ instructor.
-
36th Annual Blowout starts Friday morning
Duncan’s largest golf tournament of the year will tee off Friday when the 36th Annual Blowout Tournament begins at the Duncan Golf and Tennis Club.
The tournament will include a field of 256 golfers, making up 128 teams. -
Territory to host fifth annual CECF Summer Classic
At an upcoming tournament at the Territory, golfers will have the chance to enjoy 18 holes on the course while also getting the opportunity to give back away from it.
-
Marlow to honor its longtime coach Carter with 5K Run
Back in March, Marlow Youth Council Vice President Jessica Sabedra-Garvin had what her peers first called a “crazy idea” to bring something new to the town she grew up in.
-
Duncan’s Speed Demon
-
Golfers gear up for 36th Annual Blowout tourney
The fairways are trimmed, the greens are smooth and the stage is set.
-
Stephens brings home Oklahoma Youth State Title
After another impressive performance on the golf course this weekend, Caden Stephens can now call himself something every kid dreams to become: a state champion.
-
Hurdling past the competition
Since the start of her high school track career, Duncan hurdler Rebecca Brewer has earned back to back trips to the Class 5A State Tournament, three state medals and an invitation to this year’s Meet of Champions.
-
Twin Oaks to host camp, junior tourney
With golf season now in full swing, kids will get the chance to learn more about the game during a camp hosted in town at the start of next month.
- More Sports Headlines
-
Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse
Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored
Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse
American Held in Grisly Czech Murders
Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer
UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
