This season has been the best in Plant City High School softball history, and several on the roster are playing the best softball of their amateur careers. That includes junior outfielder Lexi Moore, whose .392 batting average, 31 hits, 21 runs scored and three stolen bases are all second-best on the team. Moore played a big part in helping the Raiders make it to the regional championship game, going 3-for-4 with a run scored against East Bay in the Tuesday, May 9, semifinal.
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You all have a big game this Friday. What are you most excited for?
I’m just really excited that this is the first time we’re going to states in PCHS history. The team’s just really close. We’re all very excited. We can’t wait to win. We’re ready to go.
What’s it like, being part of the team that’s gone further than every one before it?
It feels amazing. We’re all very close. We’re like sisters. We’re just ready to stick together and take it all.
That was a tough regional championship game against a nationally-ranked team. But you all went out there, played hard and got it done. What was that game like?
It was very, very long. It wasn’t really stressful. It was, like, going back and forth. It was a very hard battle. Our pitcher did amazing. Ashley Blessin. I’m very proud of her … we went in there with the mentality of, “Can’t stop, won’t stop,” and we wanted to take it all. We wanted it more.
Looks like you’ve had a pretty good season yourself. How do you feel about your performance this season?
I’m actually very proud of myself and my performance. I’ve worked very hard. We’ll come out and have batting practice, I’ll go home and I’ll still have my own batting practice. I’ve actually made first team in the conference this year, and I’m very proud of that. I want to keep working harder. I want to be the best and I want to make my team proud at being the best.
Where have you improved the most?
I would have to say my slapping. I’m left-handed, but I was not a slapper. I usually would just get in the box and hit, and hope for the best. My coach got in the (batting) cage with me one day and said, “We’re going to slap.” From there on out, I’ve slapped on every at-bat, except for like, one or two … my batting average is high and I’ve worked very hard.
What advice would you give to a freshman joining the team?
I would say that we would welcome you with open arms and we would love for you to come out and try out. We have a lot of fun, but we are very competitive.
Which athletes do you look up to? Do you have a favorite?
I do, but it’s not softball. It’s Derek Jeter.
You’re the first softball player in a while who hasn’t told me about Kevin Kiermaier.
Yes. It’s actually Derek Jeter. My whole family loves the Yankees and we admire Derek Jeter.