Nicole Pearson likes softball.

"Softball is my favorite sport, and I wanted to learn more about it," said the Clearwater Elementary School third-grader, who didn't let blustery weather deter her from attending a softball clinic at the Midland Valley Recreation Association fields on March 8.

Members of the Midland Valley High School girls softball team taught the clinic.

"This is a mandatory practice for them," said Michelle Yeater, the Midland Valley softball coach. "They are going to show (the children) what they do on a daily basis."

More than 50 girls ages 7-15 attended the clinic, which focused on infield and outfield skills and hitting. A pitching clinic was held afterward.

Chad Prince, the recreation association's softball commissioner, said he knows girls playing in his league will emulate what they see exhibited by the Lady Mustangs' players.

"They are role models. The girls look up to the high school team," he said. "They know a lot of them, and they really want to be like them."

Ms. Yeater said the recreation league members weren't the only ones who benefited from the clinic. She said it was good for her team, too.

"This makes them rethink their skills," she said.

Though the Lady Mustangs have run clinics for the recreation league in the past, March 8 was the first time the boys baseball team had a similar event. The baseball clinic was held at an adjacent field.

Reach Charmain Z. Brackett at czbrackett@hotmail.com.