Poplarville High School’s Slow-pitch Softball Head Coach, Ryan Jackson, is looking at the positive side of what started off as a rough beginning to the team’s season.

Currently at 2-4, Jackson said they are nowhere near reaching their full potential yet.

“I knew we were going to be young and inexperienced. My expectations were still really high because of the talent that is on the team,” Jackson said. “We have a good group of girls and I want to make sure we don’t focus on the short term goals, but instead focus on what we want to accomplish as a team for the season.”

To Jackson, the Lady Hornets will have a successful season if they come to training every day with the right attitude, compete to better themselves and focus on the big picture, which is to come out on top in district play.

Jackson said just because the team is young does not mean they lack talent.

“We have some serious talent. It is our job to make sure we reach our maximum potential. I want the girls’ expectations to be the same as mine, and that’s to be the best,” Jackson said. “I know we aren’t there yet, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be.”

Jackson said what is helping them progress this season is the team’s defense. Although they have a few aspects to improve upon, he believes the team will rally together to accomplish their goals. Last season, the Lady Hornets made it to the South State championship.

“We are getting better every time we step on the field. There is no single player we have to lean on because these Lady Hornets play well as a group. Whether it be the versatile players or the ladies coming off the bench to contribute, everyone brings something to the table and understands their role well, which is a great recipe for winning,” Jackson said.

In two weeks, the Lady Hornets will begin district play, taking on a tough opponent, Moss Point. Jackson said the team has a lot to improve on before they play against Moss Point, however he believes when the time comes, the Lady Hornets will be firing on all cylinders and ready to compete.