Despite a 1-2 start, the Lakeland High School softball team is optimistic about its season.

Lakeland is in its second season under the direction of coach James Roddy, and he is continuing to improve the softball culture at the school. Last year, when the Lady Cavs played teams such as Western Branch and Great Bridge, they were defeated by double-digits. This year, things have changed.

Lakeland lost to Western Branch again this year, but the game had to go an extra inning for Western Branch to pull it off. Against Great Bridge Tuesday evening, the Lady Cavs lost 3-0. Last year, the score was 18-1.

“We’ve been hustling and giving extra effort this year so far,” Roddy said. “I’ve been seeing big improvement hustle-wise and attitude-wise.”

Attitude, hustle and effort have been the exact three things Roddy has been emphasizing. Lakeland is known as a field hockey school, but Roddy is hoping that the softball program can rise under his direction.

“We want to continue to improve our knowledge, focus and effort,” Roddy said. “We want always to give 110 until the end. Last year, in a situation where the team gave up, we are fighting in those situations this year.”

Seniors Whitney Jones and Jada Futrell are leading the team this year, on and off the field. Jones is pitching well for the Lady Cavs so far, giving them opportunities to win games.

Lakeland’s lone win so far came against Oscar Smith. However, they’ve played Roddy has liked how the team has hustled and the effort they have shown. The goal is for the team to be playing its best softball when conference play starts, so the Lady Cavs can go into the postseason with some momentum.

“If we keep working hard, I think we are going to be in good stride come conference time,” Roddy said. “By the time we get to the conference, we hope to be hitting on all cylinders. I feel pretty confident we can possibly make a run at this.”

Lakeland will play at 5:30 p.m. Friday at Deep Creek.