Ascension Christian makes improvements to softball park

With the new season comes a new look for Ascension Christian's softball park.

They got help from Dan Millet and Gonzales' Economy Brick last week as they built a brick wall as a backdrop to the batter's box. A new net was installed as well. The park's lights were also upgraded.

The brick installation has been completed. Due to the rain, they're still in the process of a final cleanup.

Prior to the improvements, Ascension Christian's park had painted cinder blocks behind the batter's box. They now have an impressive brick wall that stretches out to each team's dugout.

In the past, Economy Brick has been an active partner with Ascension Christian High School. They were happy to provide the school with the upgrades.

"We're very thankful for what they've done. They've been very helpful to us in the past. They've always been eager to support our school," Lady Lion assistant coach Greg Swanson said.

The Ascension Christian softball program has been tremendously successful. They've made the playoffs the past three seasons. Last year, they finished with a solid 16-11 record.

They'll now have the privilege of playing in a new and improved park.

"It's going to be really nice. This will hep out the program, and it's something the girls can take pride in," Swanson said. "It also helps the community see how we're improving and trying to build something here. It creates some excitement."

This year's Lady Lions squad will have the tall task of replacing all-district players like Reyna Jones, Leah Sanchez and Victoria Schexnaydre.

However, Swanson and third-year head coach Jessica Cooper do have quite a few impressive young stars returning like Marley Crystal. They also have great senior leadership with Allyson Cambre and Maddy Kohan.

"We're going to be pretty good this year. We have a young team, but we've been able to make the playoffs the last three years," Swanson said. "We have a lot of young talent, and we're looking forward to the season."

The Lady Lions will host their first game in their upgraded park on Monday, when they play Baker.