2008 Woodie Awards
Road to Resurgence
Lady Broncos Start Strong
Demarious McNeill
Issue date: 3/12/08 Section: Sports
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Before you turn the page, hear me out: after a pre-season tune up with Coach Miguel Justiniano, the Broncos started practices with recognition on their minds. They wanted to let the softball world know that Fayetteville State is ready to be considered a powerhouse. Want proof?
The season opener pitted Fayetteville State against Concord University. That's where the fireworks started. The Concord Lions caught the Broncos off guard in the top of the first inning with a double steal attempt. The runner on third snuck home giving the Lions a 1-0 lead. The Broncos wasted no time striking back. After Danisha Lyons reached base in the bottom of the first, she was brought in by Alicia Frank who connected on a double off of the opposing pitcher.
In the bottom of the third, FSU proved that they could produce offense. With runners on first and third, Aja Sawyer connected on a line drive single allowing Shatia Gidrey to score. After a wild pitch scooted past the Lions catcher, Terisha Foat sent an RBI single up the middle. Dominique Mills had her chance in the same inning sending a chopper down the third base line scoring the runner from third.
The bottom of the fourth saw the Broncos expanding the lead when Alicia Frank added another RBI after a double scored the runner from second base. This lead proved enough for the Broncos pitcher Alicia Frank who held the Lions to 4 runs as the Broncos took game 1 of this double header. The Lions assumed that game 2 would turn in their direction. The Broncos defended their home turf taking game two 8-0 to improve to 2-0 on the young season.
Where is this success coming from? Who is responsible for this "Road to Resurgence?" His name is Miguel Justiniano, but he goes by "Coach Who." His track record assures everyone that he meets all the criteria for the job. In a recent interview with Coach Justiniano, he feels that coming to a young and energetic team is great. It gives him a chance to build on top of what is already here and with each passing game, to gain experience. 'Coach Who' is up to the challenge and is confident that he can turn around a Fayetteville State team who has not won a championship title since 2001. Under the mentorship of Coach Simpson, Coach Who has assembled a lineup with power, speed and finesse. Leading the charge for the Broncos are Danisha Lyons, Alicia Frank, and Bobbi Boucher. These three ladies hope to carry the Broncos to the championship title. With the talent these ladies possess and the supporting cast surrounding them, the title is within grasp. Utility player Bobbi Boucher said, "It is very important to get off to a good start because when we win then people will hear about us and actually know we have a softball team. Then they would come out and support us for the rest of the season."
If the Broncos continue to impress, expectations set for them will be exceeded and they will become the Cinderella story of softball. Boucher is passionate that they have only one thing to prove to the league. "We can do this," she said, "We are not the same team from last year." Fayetteville State utility player Danisha Lyons said "My prediction for the rest of the season is looking pretty good. I think this is going to be an awesome season. As you can see, we have already started off really well. I just see us keeping up the good work."
One thing the Broncos are sure about is that they will not rest until they have the CIAA championship back at home at Fayetteville State. Brace yourselves, because with talent and commitment under the hood, attitude in the tank and heart behind the wheel, this ride will be unbelieveable. Start your engines!!
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