By Kervy Robles
The Chandler Lions softball team finished No. 1 in Oklahoma and registered a 37-4 overall record this season.
The prosperous campaign permitted the Lady Lions to earn their second State Tournament Championship since 1962.
Chandler dominated every opponent on its way to success with some key characteristics.
“We had three pitchers, and each of them did an exceptional work,” coach Herring said. “In defense we never gave up runs, the girls knew what they were doing. Their job in offense was always well executed and made us strong.”
Even though it requires a talented roster to win tittles, coach Herring emphasized on four of his players.
“Baleigh and Neleigh Herring along with Blayne and Jayden Solberg were very important for us, the ‘Four Horsemen’ were essential pieces for our championship,” Herring said.
First, Baleigh Herring explained why the four players were given such a nickname.
“The ‘Four Horsemen’ name, it is because we are all four twins and everyone has been waiting the four of us to be seniors so we can finally win that state championship,” Baleigh Herring said.
After the championship, Neleigh Herring was named Little All-City Player of the Year and recruited by Wichita State University.
“It did not matter what time of night it was, I came over to get the keys of the indoor facilities to do some extra work, he would be there to let me in,” Neleigh Herring said. “He always supported me in my work to better myself, not only in pitching, but as an all around player.”
Thirdly, Jayden Solberg will continue her softball career in Seminole State.
“Some of us are seen in the background but everybody contributed,” Jayden Solberg said. “I personally helped most by having a consistently reliable glove in the outfield with an arm that kept a lot of runners on base.”
Finally, Blayne Solberg also signed with Seminole State and prioritized the role of the Four Horsemen at the end of the season.
“We have been playing together since we were little girls. We had a great connection,” Blayne Solberg said. “I could feed off them and we knew how to read each other during good and bad situations. This has helped us becoming very dependable behind the plate for our team.”
The Four Horsemen will leave a tremendous legacy, however Coach Herring has hope in the young prospects.
“We will lose important players but we had some projected starters from our JV,” Herring said. “They are Makalyn Herring, Hailey Williams and Kelsey Williams.”
The Lady Lions will also count on four returning starters such as Brooke McCollough, Natalie Garver, Brett Smith and Kylee Lynch.
