Almost a full year since their last softball game, the Hillsdale College Chargers won their doubleheader against Tiffin University on Feb. 4.
The Chargers dominated in Toledo, Ohio, winning a close first game with a score of 4-3, and defeating the Dragons 10-1 in their second game.
“We were in control for most of the first game,” head coach Kyle Gross said. “They scored late on a misplayed ball to center field, but on the very first pitch of the seventh inning, Sam Catron hit a homerun.”
Because this was an exhibition game, both teams were allowed free substitutions, Gross said. Beginning the second game, the Chargers scored in the first inning and broke it open in the fourth when freshman catcher McKenna Eichholz hit a 3-run homerun.
“McKenna’s homerun was absolutely crushed, it hit the ceiling of the dome,” Gross said. “Overall, everyone contributed in some way. We made no errors in either game and everyone completed their role flawlessly.”
Due to delays, the team arrived at Toledo behind schedule and Gross said that he relied on the veteran player’s leadership to get the team ready for their games.
“Our food order was late, we got to the location late, and the field wasn’t ready, so it was a very big scramble to get off on time since we were under a time constraint,” Gross said. “The veterans were able to get the team warmed up and get ready to play well, without any help from the coaching staff.”
That kind of leadership from the upperclassmen is something that encouraged freshman pitcher Erin Kapteyn while she was throwing her first pitches as a Charger.
“The team was so supportive. Hearing the girls at shortstop hyping me up on the mound was pretty great,” Kapteyn said. “The team has been really supportive the whole year. They brought all the freshmen in really quickly, and it feels like I’ve known them forever.”
Senior outfielder Natalie Stepanenko explained that having this tight knit team helps them play better on the field.
“Our team chemistry is one of our biggest strengths,” Stepanenko said. “Earlier this week, we did a team exercise called ‘4 Hs,’ so everyone shares their history, heroes, heartbreak, and hopes. It was an instant bonding moment. I think this adds a new element to our team dynamic and how we’re going to play this upcoming weekend.”
The Chargers are flying down to Georgia next to play doubleheaders against West Florida University and North Georgia University. They play on Feb. 13 at noon and 2 p.m. against West Florida, and Feb. 14 at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. against North Georgia.
“I want to continue to see our defense do well, since I expect we’ll be facing better offenses this weekend,” Gross said. “We just need to limit errors, not give them any extra chances, and I think we’ll do fine.”
