The wait is almost over.  On Saturday, the Weatherford College Coyote softball team will make history by playing the first intercollegiate softball regular-season game in the school’s 143-year history.

The Coyotes will host Northeast Texas Community College at 1 p.m. in their brand new facility.

And for Coach Dottie Cupp and her team, it’s not soon enough. Cupp has been preparing for this day for almost two years, starting the program from scratch.

“I’m very excited about this season and actually getting back on the field,” said Cupp, a standout college player herself at Gulf Coast Community College and the University of Central Florida, where she still holds the record for 20 shutouts pitched.

“Everyone involved with the program has been looking forward to Jan. 28 for a long time. This is the beginning of a tradition, and I am fortunate enough to be a part of it.

“I would like to express my gratitude to the Board of Trustees and administration for the addition of a softball program, our state-of-the-art facility, and the continued support of the WC softball program.”

Cupp said she is still deciding on a complete starting lineup.

“At some positions, yes I have (decided). At others, it’s going to come right down to the wire,” said Cupp. “We have a talented group, and sometimes everyone on our roster will see playing time.”

In softball, pitching is the key. Cupp understands the need for multiple choices at this position.

“We have a very talented staff. All four of our pitchers bring something different to the table that will help us win,” said Cupp. “In softball, it is a luxury to have four pitchers who can locate and move the ball. All four of our pitchers are starters, and they can go into the game in relief, too.”

The Coyote pitching staff consists of Kylee Studioso (Edmonds, WA), Emily Ditmore (Azle), Jessica Butler (Baltimore, MD) and Amanda Liggitt (China Spring). Ditmore made history by being the first signee for Cupp into the new program.

As for hitting, Cupp said the team continues to get better and can hit for power and average.

“They have bought into our hitting philosophy and we have had some very positive results,” said Cupp. “With our bats, we will always be in a game.”

And the defense appears solid as well.

“We have good range, soft hands and strong arms,” said Cupp.

Being a first-year program can also mean some growing pains, but Cupp expects her team to deal with those and be consistently competitive in a tough conference that features perennial contenders McLennan and Temple.

“At this point in the year we need game experience and to be tested situationally,” she said. “We need to learn at game speed instead of practice speed.”

Joining the four pitchers on the inaugural Coyotes’ softball roster are Weatherford High School exes Shawna Henderson and Makayla Baeza, Aledo grad Carolyn Clayton, Morgan Whitby (North Crowley), Samantha Alegria (Katy Taylor), Jessica Burnett (Fort Worth Brewer), Lauren Hollidge (Brampton, Ontario), Beverly Corry (Pembroke Pines, Fla.), Katy Vandewater (Helotes O’Connor), Casey Cromwell (Danville), Reagan Woodall (Dawson) and April Galvan (Fort Worth North Side).

“They have really come together as a cohesive unit, and we just may surprise some people. Our team works harder than any other team I have been a part of. They are determined to put WC softball on the map and win.”

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by Rick Mauch