One of the sure signs that spring is on the way is when players return to the softball and baseball diamonds, soccer fields and tennis courts. Spring sports practices began this week in Gloucester and Mathews counties, a harbinger of the warmer weather to come. At left, Mathews High School softball player Morgan Crittenden gets ready to crush the ball during batting practice on Monday. Fifteen softball players showed up for the first day of practice, but coach JJ Ashberry expects those numbers to rise as the girls’ basketball team wrapped up its season on Tuesday. In photo at right, Gloucester High School soccer players, from left, Caroline Merchant, Emily Castillo and Mia Hamill enjoy the first week of practice.

MELANY SLAUGHTER / GAZETTE-JOURNAL
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