The softball team stayed busy this past week, playing two games at home against Southwestern Oklahoma State University on both Friday and Saturday, then playing two games on Tuesday against Arkansas Tech University in Russellville.
The Lady Bisons won all four games last weekend against Southwestern Oklahoma, putting up scores of 3-0 and 7-3 on Friday and winning 4-1 and 10-2 on Saturday. However, on Tuesday in Russellville, the team split the two games with Arkansas Tech, winning the first 4-3 but losing the second 3-6. The Lady Bisons are 16-4 at home and 5-12 on the road.
“We have played very well at home in our new facility, and our fan support has been a big part of that success,” head coach Phil Berry said. “We have faced tough opponents on the road, and each road series has presented unique challenges as we learn the conference and the different environments we encounter. In most of our road series, there was a game that we could or should have won, but (we) did not make the key plays in the game changing situations.”
Out of the five remaining series on the Lady Bisons’ schedule, three are on the road. Freshman infielder/outfielder Marley Edwards said that after a victory, the momentum usually carries over to the next game. Edwards said in order to finish the season strong on the road, the team needs to learn to not dwell on any poor performances or losses.
“If we play poorly, then we just have to shake it off, refocus and come out ready to win the next battle,” Edwards said. “I think errors and simple mistakes can alter a team or an individual’s performance, but as long as we minimize and eliminate those then we’ll be just fine.”
Junior infielder Kinsey Beck said that as one of the oldest players on the team, she tries to lead by example. Beck is in the top three on the team this season in batting average, on-base percentage, runs scored and hits. More important than gameplay, according to Beck, is the example the team shows in their behavior.
“We are not just called to play ball,” Beck said. “But to play while showing an attitude of Christ and hopefully showing others around us that. We’re here for one purpose: to serve and glorify God.”
Although still in their first season, the softball team currently has a 26-19 record, which is a .578 winning percentage. The team is 18-14 in conference play and is ranked No. 5 out of 11 teams in the Great American Conference.
Berry said the team is always learning from their mistakes. The relative inexperience of the team has been the greatest challenge for them this season, as 16 of the 18 players had no college experience, and no player had Division II experience, Berry said.
“Every game and series has challenged us to grow and mature as a team,” Berry said. “Our strength has been our willingness to learn from each experience and make the adjustments necessary.”
The Lady Bisons are traveling to Arkadelphia this weekend to play Henderson State University. Game times are 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Sunday. They will then have three series left before the GAC tournament, which will be held May 1-3 in Bentonville.
