Spring sports: Lions baseball, Lady Lions softball open

Spring may be a month away on the calendar, but Spring Sports are set to open this week.
Softball
The Vernon Lady Lions softball team is coming off Bi-District and Area titles. The squad is scheduled to open the season on Friday, Feb. 18 in Windthorst.
The Lady Lions home opener is Tuesday, Feb. 22 against Rider. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. Catch the team then, because they are not scheduled to be at home again until district starts a month later.
District play begins March 22 with Vernon hosting Mineral Wells at 6 p.m. Iowa Park, coming off a trip to state, is the favorite to win district this season.
Baseball
The Vernon Lions baseball team has made the playoffs three straight seasons. They have a loaded roster and will be a favorite to be at the top of the district standings again this year. The Lion have a scrimmage at Bowie on Friday. The Lions are scheduled to open the season at home on Tuesday, Feb. 22 vs. Childress, and to host Holiday on Friday, pending basketball playoffs.
The Lions won’t return home until district, hosting Hirschi on March 22.
Tennis
Spring tennis has already started. The only chance to catch the team at home is next week. Vernon is slated to host a tournament on Feb. 25, beginning at 8 a.m.
The District tourney is set for March 30-31 in Iowa Park.
Track
Track season kicks off Feb. 24 with Vernon heading to Breckenridge.
The Lion Relays are scheduled for Friday, March 11 in Vernon. The Middle School Meet will be Thursday, March 10.
The District 5-AAAA meet will be held in Vernon on Monday, April 11 and Wednesday, April 13.