Smackover’s Mackenzie Preston followed up a busy spring with a hectic summer of softball. In the spring, Preston played third base for the Lady Bucks’ 30-3 3A state semifinalist, earning All-Area honors. This summer, as a member of Arkansas Platinum, she will be competing in the World Series in Branson.
After playing in five summer tournaments, Preston said she can see improvement in her game.
“I feel like my defense has been doing good this summer but my hitting has been a little off,” she said. “That’s the one thing I really need to improve on especially going into my senior year.”
Preston is a three-sport athlete at Smackover, also a standout in golf and tennis. Both golf and tennis are fall sports that begin in a little over a month. Softball is her primary activity but the senior hopes to find time for the others as well.
“In terms of tennis and golf I haven’t felt like I’ve been able to practice as much as I’ve needed to,” Preston said. “I’m hoping now that I’m almost finished with softball for the summer, I’ll be able to focus more on practicing and improving for my golf and tennis season.”
Preston showed a steady glove and a strong arm at third base for the Lady Bucks. Offensively, she batted .445 with one home run and 30 RBI.
Preston said Arkansas Platinum is a team based out of Benton, with the majority of players from that area. She also plays third base for her summer club.
“My overall priority this summer is to improve my skills and fix what I’ve been struggling with,” said Preston, who has high expectations for her senior year in all sports.
“I am hoping to win state for tennis and also hoping to help my team in state in golf. As for softball I hope we win because we’ve gotten close all my four years and I have a good feeling about this year.”