Arnell welcomes challenge ahead of playoffs

Apr. 19—Playing a team in a higher district is always a challenge, but one that can pay off.

Facing off against a team in a higher district can help prepare a player for the challenges of facing off against the top teams in the district, come playoff time.

On Tuesday, April 16, the Hulbert Lady Riders, a 2A team, took on the Muskogee Roughers, a 6A team. While they didn't win either of the two games they played, the Lady Riders got some solid experience from the tough challenge.

"I think if they respond to the challenge, it can be good to play a good team in the playoffs. I hope we can learn from this and take it over on Thursday," HHS head coach Ramsey Arnell said.

HHS lost both games in big fashion to the Roughers, but Arnell thinks the Lady Riders have to make a run in the playoffs. MHS took game one 12-1, then responded for a 10-0 win in game two.

"We didn't play up to expectations. [We are looking to] play as a team and staying to our game.We have a lot of potential, but we just need to fight hard every inning and never take an inning off," Arnell said.

With the losses to MHS, the Lady Riders finish the regular season with a record of 11-13. HHS returns to the pitch on Thursday, April 18, for the District Tournament.

Going into the playoffs, the Riders are looking to get back to winning ways after losing four of their last five.

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