Even before the season wrapped up and even before the team said ‘goodbye’ to its four eighth-graders, the Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School softball team had already exceeded the expectations of its coach.

With a 6-1 record entering its final day of the season in late April, the Lady Seminoles had generated an impressive season.

At the start of the year, coach Melissa Hines wasn’t sure what the results would look like.

“I was nervous. I knew we had a solid team, a young team, but I’ve been pleased with the outcome,” she said.

As was often the case this season, PECS took care of business on the field with a win April 11 against Osceola Middle School on eighth-grade parent day in Brighton. Before the game, the team’s graduating players – outfielders Javelle Anderson and Janaya French, pitcher/second baseman Giselle Micco and first baseman Carolina Urbina – were honored with their families in a pregame ceremony. Hines said all four players had strong seasons.

“I’m very pleased with them,” Hines said. “It’s sad to see them go.”

Despite the departures, the future looks bright for next season with a solid returning core. The team’s main pitcher Lexi Thomas along with Preslynn Baker will be back to lead the pitching staff while home run leader Carlee Osceola will be another key returner.

Before looking ahead, there was still plenty to like about this season.

“We only lost one game,” Hines said before the final doubleheader of the season. “We have an awesome team this year.”