Dynamic Duo
It’s a sister thing. Others just wouldn’t understand.
Sara and Hannah Borden have always been sisters, but being teammates for the Hewitt-Trussville High School softball team has really brought their relationship to a different level.
“This season is very important. I’m not planning on playing in college, so this is my last year playing softball,” Sara Borden said. “Luckily, this has been our best year chemistry-wise. We’re just getting started, and we’ve looked better every game.”
One of the biggest reasons for the Huskies’ success is the strong showing Hannah Borden, a third baseman, has put forth at the plate.
The sophomore has really come into her own this season, as she was hitting for a .420 average with eight home runs and 35 RBIs through April 17. Sara Borden is no slouch at the plate either, with a robust .356 average, but her younger sister is pacing the team in big flies so far.
“Hannah has got serious power. She’s young and we don’t know what the future holds for her, but big things are ahead for her,” said Husky head coach Jim Bailes.
Hannah Borden has come to see how important her bat really is to the team and its success, so this season has been a coming out party for her. What she has to guard against, however, is the highs and lows that come with softball. When the bats are popping, she has learned to keep the same mentality as when she’s slumping.
“I try to stay level-headed when we’re playing and when I am hitting well. I know that it helps us win, and that’s what matters to me,” Hannah Borden said.
Because of Sara and Hannah Borden’s leadership, the team is poised to make a run at the state tournament in Montgomery.
“Last year, as a team, we didn’t have the chemistry we needed, and this year has been much better,” Hannah Borden said. “We have a chance to come back and show everybody how well we can play this year.”
As much as they do physically, their mental leadership has really been a key.
“Sara tries to keep everybody positive. She’s leading in the dugout when we’re hitting,” Hannah Borden said.
Bailes said the qualities the sisters have shown the others have been positive for the team not only this year, but for the future. The sisters, though, have a little more confidence in each other.
“They’re great teammates, and they hold each other to a higher standard,” he said.
That bar is set high because the two know what the other is capable of handling.
“It’s great to play with Sara,” Hannah Borden said. “She’ll do her job, and I know that, so it’s relaxing to know she’s there to keep things going.”
When Sara Borden throws the ball to third base, there’s no doubt in her mind her sister will be there.
“I trust her more when I throw the ball,” Sara Borden said.
For Hannah Borden, the sister connection is certainly a positive. In fact, when she’s looking for the ball to come her way, she also has no doubt the ball will be where it should be.
“I can kind of tell what she’s about to do when she’s [behind the plate],” Hannah Borden said.
Bailes knows their connection is important. Then again, he also knows the two are sisters, and sometimes sisters fight.
“It’s a great thing to have these two,” he said. “As far as sisters, it’s obvious they care for each other. But being sisters, they’ll have little spats, and it usually happens on a daily basis, but when it’s over they are still helping to lead the others.”
No matter what they may fight about, at the end of the day, they are still leading the team with their physical and mental talents.
“You can hear them cheering when the other is hitting; it’s a big help,” he said. “We’re about accountability and team.”
As far as the future is concerned, Sara Borden said she knows this is her last season, and she said watching Hannah Borden become the team’s catcher and leader next season will be something she’s looking forward to seeing. Hannah Borden, though, is just cherishing this season with her big sister.
“It’s fun to play with your sister when you play the same sport,” she said. “So I’m not taking this last season for granted at all.”