While the rest of campus was away for spring break, the women’s softball team was on the field, playing double headers against both Tiffin and Ohio Dominican on March 29-30.
On Friday, Hillsdale lost both games to Tiffin, 1-5 and 0-8.
On Saturday, Hillsdale lost 2-3 to Ohio Dominican and then won 5-3
“We’re playing better,” head coach Joe Abraham said. “Even though we only went 1-3 this week, it was still an improvement from Florida.”
The team is now 13 games into the season and have had more time playing outdoors. Since returning from Florida, they’ve been able to practice on their field outside twice.
“Against Ohio Dominican, we finally looked like the team we can be for the first time all season,” Abraham said. “There was a big difference between the two days. On Saturday, we got better pitching, fielding, and hitting.”
Senior Taylor Schulty was the main offensive star of the day, going 4 for 7, with all four of her runs batted in, including a home run.
“When I was coaching third base, I was standing right next to the Ohio Dominican dugout,” Abraham said. “Taylor was up at the plate and I overheard the coach say ‘we keep throwing it outside and she keeps crushing it. I don’t know what else to do!’”
“She was a stud,” assistant coach Erin Porter summed up. “Everyone feeds off her energy and it’s just great.”
Sophomore Katie Ardrey pitched well on both days, as did freshman Sarah Klopfer, who took the win against Ohio Dominican.
Freshman third baseman Julia Kosco and centerfielder Schulty performed well and presented a solid defense.
“Pretty much every single game, we’re starting at least five and sometimes six girls who were not here last year,” said Abraham. “It takes time to gel, but we’re making really good progress now.”
On Thursday, April 4, the team will take the field against the 2012 league champion, Wayne State, in their first home game of the season.
On Saturday and Sunday, the Chargers will play Malone and Ashland, all at home.
