Robison focused on building competitive culture for Lady Pirates

Entering her second year as head coach of the Bristow Lady Pirates fastpitch softball team, Brittany Robison is in the process of building a team from the cleats up. “Our goal this season is to try and get better every single day and continue to build the softball program,” she said. “We will continue to strive for a competitive, hard working, relentless culture.” This season Robison is returning four seniors – Kylee Burns, Janie Poteet, Ally Alcorn and Mollee Mason – all of whom were starters last year and are the only starters returning to the lineup. She only lost one player to graduation last year and this season, nine freshman have been added to the roster. Robison said one of the strengths that has manifested itself early this season is batting. “We have some pop at the plate,” she said. Robison said that on defense, Alexis Gordon and Destiny Wertman will split time at the mound. She is also returning last season’s starter Mariah Moody to first base and plans to rotate Burns, Dustie Barnes and Mason in the middle infield positions. Alcorn and Janie Poteet will divide their time behind the plate and at third and Robison said she will utilize Mason, Graycie Gramm, Kenslee Mayberry, Molly Gill and Camille Pritchard in the outfield. She said that the area where her ladies need the most work is pitching. Robison said that the entire team has been working hard at practice and so far, two standouts have risen to the top. “Kylee Burns and Mollee Mason so far have done a good job at the plate and on defense,” she said. Robison has enlisted the help of former longtime Depew baseball coach Sheldon Fairchild who is now teaching at Bristow Middle School. “We are just in a building phase,” she said. “We are working on figuring out the puzzle- who works where best, who is going to lead, who is going to perform.” The Lady Pirates will compete in Class 4A, District 5 with Blackwell, Cleveland, Cushing, Mannford, Perkins-Tryon and Claremore.“We have a super tough district,” said Robison. “Cushing just got out of the state tournament in the spring and I expect them to be tough as always – along with Cleveland, Mannford and Perkins.” Robison is emphasizing her team’s development this year and plans to take full advantage of her younger talent. “Expect us to grow and improve every year,” she said. “Expect several freshmen to play.”