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Their 1-6 record to date is deceptive. BSC opened the year against some outstanding competition, beating Vorhees, SC College and extending nationally-ranked Fayetteville State to the limit, before losing a 10-9 decision.
"The biggest change has been attitude," the 25-year old Buckingham noted, while preparing for BSC's March 23 conference opener at West Virginia Wesleyan. "The kids had gone winless in two of the last three years, and they didn't have much self-confidence. I told them that what had occurred in the past was history, and that we could work together to turn things around."
Utilizing a "3-D" (determination, defense, and desire) approach, Buckingham's Blues ratched up their level of commitment. "We began to practice on a much more regular basis. You have to make the investment of time and effort if you are to compete at this level," he added.
The Lady Blues have thrived. After posting a WVIAC-low .243 batting average a year ago, BSC has been hammering the ball this spring, hitting .410. "With the exception of one player (a freshman), the players who are hitting well now were in the program a year ago. The talent has been there, but it's beginning to emerge now," the coach observed.
Tri-captains Kim Irvine, Jenny Bourne, and Danielle Lyle have been cornerstones of the attack. Irvine, a sophomore shortstop from Alta Vista, VA, is hitting .500 and owns the team's only home run to date. "Her defense is also vastly improved and she's an all-conference calibre player," Buckingham stated. Another sophomore, Jenny Bourne, is hitting a team-best .563 and has stolen 14 bases. Bourne, a former Tazewell High star, is a leftfielder/catcher. Sophomore catcher/outfielder Danielle Lyle, from Caledonia, MS, is batting .460 with seven doubles.
The team's resilience was tested recently, when a thief stole its uniforms and equipment, forcing the Lady Blues to cut short their southern trip earlier in the month. "The kids bounced back almost immediately," Buckingham said, adding that BSC athletic director Terry Brown went to work immediately to help the team stay on task and continue its schedule.
The Lady Blues are optimistic as they enter the WVIAC portion of their schedule. "We will be competitive in the conference this year," Buckingham, who is assisted by Mike Proffitt, said. "We have been the doormat of the WVIAC for a long time, and we've been picked to finish dead last again this year. However, we're going to win some games. This team is turning things around."
Pitcher Melissa Bolden, who got the mound decision in the win over Vorhees, has posted a 5.63 earned run average. A power pitcher, she and Jenny Bourne, a finesse/control pitcher, provide a diverse approach that can keep opponents off-stride at the plate.
"The quality of high school softball in this area is very good, and we're looking to add some recruits for next season. There's a tremendous upside to this program, and I'm excited about where we're going," Buckingham said.
The Lady Blues, whose home field is the softball facility at Graham Recreation Park, are focused upon season-long improvement heading into the WVIAC tournament, April 25-27.
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