Senior Tayler Lucero practices hitting the ball on the tee during batting practice on Tuesday. Lucero graduates this year and will be taking a few courses at Eastern New Mexico University before transferring to another school to complete her degree.

Tayler Lucero is the only senior on the Portales softball team. She leaves her friends in a couple of weeks in search of her future. Lucero spent the softball season working on relationships and having fun.

She enjoys playing basketball and softball — because its outdoors— about equal.

She says: “I like to hangout with my friends and have fun,” Lucero said. “I like to go and watch the baseball and football games.”

Lucero said she and her team have really grown up together because they started out a young team.

Keeping ’em loose: Teammate Gabby Garcia said Lucero is a fun person to be with; there is never a dull moment.

“She’s not a teammate, she’s more like a sister,” Garcia said. “Playing with her in basketball turned into a strong relationship. She’s been there to encourage us and make sure we’re doing the right thing.”

Stepping up: As the team’s only senior Lucero has stepped into the role of being a leader by enjoying the friendships she has made on the field and off.

Coach says: “She finally decided she was going to have a little bit of fun,” Portales coach Robbie Crowley said. “She’s relaxed in softball and playing the best she has played in a long time that’s because she’s having fun.”

Crowley said Lucero told her the other day she was planning on taking her freshman classes at Eastern New Mexico University and then transferring.

Turning point: Lucero played shortstop, but recently was moved to second because Crowley needed help at that position.

Crowley said she has quick feet and she can cover first and second base.

“We have more of a chance at turning a double (play) than we did before with Lucero on second base,” Crowley said.