The Taylor softball team had a dominant start to the season. In the opening Bear Creek Tournament, they ended with a 2-1 record..
The first two wins came from a 10-3 against Cleary University and a 10-6 against the University of Rio Grande. In the game against Cleary, freshman Mackenzie Noah had a significant solo home-run midway through the game, which was followed by junior Caitlyn Grim hitting a double. This gave the Trojans a big boost of energy, which helped the team win.
Senior Maddi Evans had an impressive performance that game. While splitting time with Noah, Evans allowed one run over the last five innings to secure the victory. This was her college debut of the year.
“It was good to get that momentum early,” Evans said. “Hopefully this can help us throughout the season”.
Evans also had an impressive game against Rio Grande University. Picking up her first win as a picture, she accumulated 11 strikes while on the mound.
Evans had a career year last season, both in stats and time played. In several statistical categories — in both pitching and hitting, her numbers across the board were increased. She also played and started in all 61 games. It was so impressive, in fact, she set the school softball record for single-season strikeouts and wins.
“I still have to work for it,” Evans said. “This year is a new year, and the stats from last year don’t contribute to this year.”
She seems unfazed about what happened in the past and is focused on this year and this team.
Head Coach Erin Bellinger is proud of the 2-1 start, giving high praise to the offensive swinging of this team.
“In the beginning of this year, we knew we were going to be a really good hitting team, and our defense was going to struggle a little bit,” Bellinger said. “We have a lot of girls in new positions, and girls stepping up, fighting for positions (to play).”
The defensive struggles were shown, by way of an 11-4 loss against University of the Cumberlands. Evans had a three-run home run in the third inning, breathing life into the Trojans who decreased the lead to 8-4. Sadly, it wasn’t enough, as Cumberlands put up seven runs in just the first inning, one in the second, and the final three in the sixth.
This loss did not stop Bellinger from continuing to give high praise to her athletes. She constantly tells the players that they play as a team, and not as an individual.
“It’s so hard to not be worried about your own stats, to not look at them, but you’re always drawn to do so,” she said.
She doesn’t want the mindset of the team as an individual thing, but to have the mindset shifted on the team, and focus on the success the girls can grow together.
A good source of team success is through senior leadership; look no further than senior Ashton Whitman. She helped the Trojans open a 5-1 lead en route to the victory against University of Rio Grande. She had a two-run homer in the third, which then led to a multitude of hits and a slew of at-bats.
Whitman felt good, knowing she could boost the confidence of the team in the game with her early impressive batting performance.
“It felt good to put something in the air and make good contact,” Whitman said. “That was huge for my confidence, and for the rest of the weekend.” Starting all 61 games last year, Whitman posted career-best statistics, posting highs in at-bats, hits, runs, doubles, home runs and many more.
Whitman believes in seeing the stats. It shows her the areas where can improve her game.
“Something that I have learned throughout my time here is that it’s easier to stay upbeat and focused when you’re looking at the small victories,” Whitman said. “I came into this year focused on trying to be someone that others on the team can look to as a leader and as someone who is able to help guide (the team) through tough games.”.
The softball team takes their talents to the NFCA Leadoff Classic this Friday and Saturday. They play four schools, two of which are receiving votes to be ranked, and one is ranked top 15 of the NAIA. This should be a good slew of games to watch as the Trojans measure up to the competition.
