Fans confident Holcomb softball will get the job done in Springfield

HOLCOMB, Mo.- The Holcomb softball team will be making a return to the Killian softball complex in Springfield, Missouri, on Monday for the final four of the state tournament, where they will take on Jasper. While this is a tall feat in itself, there is definitely some excitement around the city of Holcomb.

"It’s a feeling of excitement from just being proud of them," said Lianne Long, mother of Holcomb catcher Montana Long. "We’ve all watched these girls play for so long and it’s amazing to see the support for them not just in our community, but the surrounding communities in Missouri and even in Arkansas!"

It is a great time to be a Holcomb softball fan, and there is definitely buzz around the city.

"The feeling around Holcomb is great but I don’t feel it stops there," said Gary Brown, parent of pitcher Alyssa Brown. "Every day I get texts or calls from someone, friends, family, or customers congratulating on Holcomb’s success. Kind of like when Campbell basketball went to state. We all pulled for them because it was our part of this state that was represented."

"It’s exciting," said Kari Lemmings, Maleigh Lemmings mother. "Watching the town rally to support the team is so great. Everyone is behind them rooting them on."

The Holcomb softball team going back to the final four for the second straight year has a big impact on the city itself. The town is proud of their softball team, as they should be. The Lady Hornets finished with a 26-6 record this season. Holcomb has yet to win a softball state championship and placed second last year.

"It makes a big impact and gives people something tangible to be proud of," stressed Long. "Holcomb has always been proud of its players and students but it’s great to be able to say we’re going to the final four again. Our little town can sometimes be forgotten in the bootheel, so having something like this happen brings attention to all we have to offer; from the teachers that help these girls excel academically, to Coach Casper and his family along with Mrs. McClendon that put their heart and soul into this program, and to the families that nurture them into being kind, respectful, well-rounded individuals. This is what has made our program so successful and helped make an impact on our town."

Holcomb is a great city in its own right, filled with great people who love their sports. Now, they just need the recognition they deserve, and winning state could help with that.

"The impact on the city is the recognition it gets," praised Brown. "That’s where y’all have that great BBQ is what you hear most. Maybe soon it’ll be that’s where the Hornets that won state are from. I think the biggest impact is the summer ball program we have. Young ladies look up to our team and want to successfully bring new people into the sport. If I remember right that’s how my family and daughter got started."

"Anytime your school can bring a positive light to your town, everyone benefits," said Lemmings. "It puts the town on the map for a good reason."

To some of these players, this is their last opportunity to win the state championship. To the parents of the players, I'm sure it would mean the world to see their kids accomplish something that not many do.

"It would mean the world to see all of her [Montana Long] hard work and dedication come to fruition," explained Lianne Long. "A lot of these girls have played travel ball their whole lives, and their coaches and teams have prepared them for this moment. This entire journey has been a culmination of hard work, dedication, and love of the sport. We are so proud of her win or lose but winning would be a whole lot of fun. I think for her it means that what people say about the sky being the limit if you work hard and put everything you have into it, is true. I know it’s even more special to her is that it’s her senior year. She gives all the glory to God, win or lose, and so do we."

"Every parent wants their child to succeed but to see your child’s dreams come true is priceless," said Lemmings. "These girls have grown up playing this game and have lived for this moment. They have been fortunate to be in the Final Four twice in two years, they are ready to win it all and we’ll be right there cheering them to victory."

The fans are proud of the team and think that this year is different than the last. Everyone in Holcomb, including the parents, think they will be victorious come Tuesday.

"My opinion is this team can go all the way," explained Brown. "They have worked hard all spring! When you have this much talent on one team it raises everyone to a higher bar. They just keep getting better."

"Of course, I think they can go all the way and win it," said Long. "All of us know there is no “I” in team and they exemplify that every time they play. They’ve got the heart, talent, determination, confidence, and an amazing group of people around them that supports them and loves them."

Everyone, even the non-parents, should go to Springfield to cheer on their hometown team given the chance.

"The girls feed off of the energy in the stands," said Lemmings. "The more energy they can feel, the more relaxed and focused they can play. And plus, they’re just an amazing team to watch play the game."

"It’s a great atmosphere there," stressed Brown. "Adrenaline, nerves, pacing back and forth and that’s just the parents. The Lady Hornets seem to be composed a lot better than us. Coach Casper does a great job keeping them focused on the task at hand. Nothing beats the feeling of wishing the best for your hometown team."

With some support from the fans, Holcomb can make a legitimate push for the Class one State Championship.