Groffs lead HHS into regionals
By NICK McQUEEN
For four years, former Hays High School baseball standout Justin Groff was a key ingredient in the success the Hays High School baseball team has enjoyed under Frank Leo.
So, it should be no surprise that when more Groffs came along, they were going to have their hand in what's going on.
For the Hays High softball team in 2008 --¬ thanks to the development of the youngest Groff child of Pam and Phil Groff --¬ it's Groff times two.
Allison, a senior, and Amanda, a sophomore, are one two pairs of siblings on the of varsity squad this year, and look to keep it going as long as they can as the Indians are set for action in Tuesday's Class 5A regional in Great Bend.
"It's been a little bit odd this season," Allison said of playing with her younger sister. "We've never been on the same team together.
It's a little weird to see her across the field from me or even up to bat for us, but it's been so much fun."
The sisters are one of two sets of siblings, along with junior Mallory and sophomore Morgan Skiles; all of them are starters for the Indians this spring.
"It's been a great learning experience," Allison said. "We've got such a young team with just two seniors.
"We started a little shaky, but made some improvements, and we really have looked a lot stronger in our last few games," she added.
Allison is the team's starting third baseman after moving from first, and the Indians' second-leading hitter in the No. 5 hole, while Amanda starts at second base in Game 1 and pitches in Game 2 of doubleheaders.
"They each have their own personality," said Hays High second-year coach Keith Dechant. "Sometimes, you wouldn't even know they were sisters.
You'll see a little squabbling or something like that going on in the background, but nothing more.
"They all just play really well together, and that's helped out the rest of the girls," Dechant added.
While Allison is more laid back, according to her mother, Pam, Amanda seems to take a more business-like approach on the field.
At one point in their last game, Amanda had struck out five straight batters and was locked in on the hitters, lest she get rattled.
Meanwhile, Allison, a more easy-going player, has welcomed the cheerleader role at times.
"I might tend to cheer her on a little bit more when she's up there," Allison said of her sister.
"She seems to get down on herself pretty easy, but I do my best to keep her going."
Amanda has compiled a 3-5 record, while Allison has become the Indians' second leading hitter in her final campaign.
She is batting .320 heading into Tuesday's first-round regional game with Newton (10-10).
The move from first base to third base by Allison has also solidified a defense that struggled early on, but has made big improvements as the Indians prepare for a postseason run.
For the Groff sisters, every game could mean their last played together.
