By By Chandler Myers
Eight games into the 2009 softball season the Escambia County Lady Blue Devils find themselves at two games over .500 and vying for a shot at a region title in their first year back in Class 5A.
The Lady Blue Devils (5-3, 1-2) started the season dominant before falling to three of their toughest opponents in Gulf Shores, Robertsdale and Spanish Fort.
Lady Blue Devils head coach William Casaday said his team is at a point where he hoped they would be at the half way mark.
In terms of their best performances, the Lady Blue Devils did compete well in the losses. Casaday said he judges his teams performances in two different categories, offense and defense.
Even with strong performances and a winning record, the Lady Blue Devils still have a ways to go before they are a solid playoff team.
They still have improvements that can be made, which will help them get through the second-half of their schedule.
Casaday said errors a an area that his team needs to improve on and not just ones on the field.
Even though improvements are needed the Lady Blue Devils are a strong team with several leaders and players that have stepped up their play. Casaday said there are a few players that have improved their play and really surprised him with their performances.
Along with the surprises are the players that are considered leaders and looked to help the Lady Blue Devils keep their composure.
Casaday said his leaders have all played well and helped keep the team in games.
With the second half of the season approaching the Lady Blue Devils will face a tough road to the region tournament as well as the state playoffs.
Casaday said his team is much improved from the start of the season and should give the playoffs a good run.