Kayla Springer | Contributor
The Taylor University softball team took control at the Grand Park Sports Campus on Saturday, Feb. 13, racking up two solid victories over Indiana Tech. The Trojans improved their overall record to an even 3-3, defeating the Warriors 7-1 and 4-0, respectively.
After a defensively tough opening weekend at Reinhardt University, the Trojans bounced back. Their main focuses, according to head coach Brad Bowser, were being aggressive to the ball and making the routine plays. Junior Alex Lovelace commented that the team did a lot in practice to "get out the kinks," running drills that worked on specific situations to force communication.
Senior Ashley Miller and junior Hannah Robbins had successful outings on the mound, each pitching a complete game. Miller allowed no earned runs in game one, while Robbins granted just four hits with six strikeouts in game two.
Junior Lauren Ehle led the tough offense, who recorded a key three-run triple in game one and finished with three hits and five runs batted in for the weekend. Miller and Robbins both racked up two hits, while junior Anna Gunderson and Lovelace each found their way to the plate twice for the Trojans.
Both Lovelace and Bowser commented on the offensive and defensive depth of the team throughout the roster.
"It is where we're at," Bowser said. "It's all through the line-up. You don't always know where it's going to come from, but you know it's going to come."
Much of this depth refers to a group of 10 key returners combined with what Bowser deemed a fighting group of 11 newcomers.
"The freshmen never quit and are really willing to buy into the program," Bowser said.
Bowser sees this depth, resilience and willingness to trust the process as a few of the team's greatest strengths.
Moving forward, Lovelace feels confident about the team's ability to accomplish their goals, including winning the conference tournament and heading to nationals.
"So far we've blended really well as a team," Lovelace said. "Season is when we all really mesh together, but so far it (team chemistry) has been great."
Bowser had similar feelings: "If we have a downfall, it's going to be not making plays and giving up big innings. As long as we do those simple things-make the routine plays, attack the ball, control the running game from our catchers and throw strikes from our pitchers-we're going to be pretty effective this year."
Taylor is set for doubleheaders against Cumberland University (1-5) and Martin Methodist College (8-2) this weekend in Lebanon, Tennessee and will look to build upon their recent success.
Photograph by Chris Yingling
