Thursday, March 21, 2013

Fastpitch softball: Spring trip a success


By Samantha Borawski
Sports Editor

The Cardinal fastpitch softball team not only enjoyed the sunny, warm weather during their spring trip in Tucson, Ariz., but the team also finished the trip with a solid 6-3 record that made the trip even sweeter. 

After finishing the trip above 500, the team boasts five players with batting averages above .300. Hitting proved to make all the difference for the Cardinals, who in games they won, outscored their opponents 41-22. The line-up is stacked with hitters and is a vital part to the Cardinals game plan this season. Sophomore Natalie Boissiere has the most hits in 11 games so far with 19 hits overall. 

The Cardinals look to senior Kayla Peterson to do a substantial amount of pitching this year, with Paige Carter helping the effort. Peterson pitched 197 innings last season and will be another key player to the team this year.

Defense is the final key to a successful season for the Cardinals. Part of the recent success of the team is its experienced, veteran leaders. The team only lost three seniors last season, so more than half the team has already played at least one season together. This team bond will help the Cardinals to hopefully return to the MIAC playoffs once again this year.

To top off a fantastic start in Arizona, the Cardinal played against University of Wisconsin in Riverfalls at the Rochester dome on March 17. The Cardinals split the series, making their overall record 7-4. 

The Cardinals open Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) play on March 28 at Augsburg College. The team’s first home game is on April 4 against Hamline University.

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