Hard-Hitting Bloomington Jefferson Softball Team Expects To Make State

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) - At Bloomington Jefferson, making the state tournament isn't a goal. It's an expectation.

That's what happens when you've been there each of the last four years.

"I think the one thing the kids have going for them as a team is they have been there," coach Jim Hanson said. "And that kind of gets passed down from generation to generation."

This generation is at it again, led by a great year at the plate. The Jaguars are averaging almost eight runs a game.

"We work on hitting a lot," Hanson said with a chuckle. "In the spring when we can't be outside a lot, our kids take 500 to 1,000 swings a day. I know there's some teams that don't get very many swings in, but we try to really focus on hitting."

Their defense might be even better. In fact, Hanson says it's actually their biggest strength. They've allowed only eight runs all season.

But there is a catch to all this success.

"I think the biggest thing is that we come out every day and don't have a letdown," Hanson said. "It's tough when you have a lot of games in a row to not have a letdown, and try to prevent against that. The more we win the more I get worried about winning."

There's good reason for that. Jefferson has indeed made it to state each of the last four years, but also lost their opening game every time. That's something they've been reminding themselves a lot of lately for motivation.

"All of us know that it can happen at any time," outfielder/catcher Emily Carr said. "And so we just go out there every day and work as hard as we can."

After another 25 runs in two games Friday, Bloomington Jefferson is now 11-0 this season. And looking very much like a state tournament contender yet again.