<< Front page Sports April 16, 2004

Softball wins its first game
Yeowomen gain confidence in win over LCCC

The planets were aligned this Monday when the Oberlin women’s softball squad devoured Lorain County Community College 19-9. The victory marks Oberlin’s first victory of the season.

Fielding, pitching and hitting had been working well prior to the victory over LCCC, just not all at the same time. It was a matter of everyone and everything being on the same page for the entire game. On Monday, the Yeowomen were rewarded for the hard work and dedication scoring 19 runs, beating LCCC by 10 runs.

From the beginning of the game Oberlin was on point, combining excellent choices in the field and a patient approach at the plate. Oberlin scored early and often and played seamless defense to back up the pitching.

“Our win against LCCC was well-deserved and we are excited and confident heading into our upcoming conference games,” senior right fielder Anna Gardener-Andrews said.

Coming off of two losses to Kenyon College, Oberlin needed a boost and they got one against LCCC. The victory lifted the confidence, energy and desire after losing so many difficult games.

“We’ve definitely got the talent, but we need to use it to our advantage,” senior third baseman Sarah Benjamin said. “I think regardless of our record, we have some immense potential to be a great team.”

Due to lack of depth, Oberlin has an inherent disadvantage against powerhouse teams in the NCAC. When playing double headers a couple of times a week, the Yeowomen get fatigued, especially the pitching staff.

“With only 12 players, we are one of the smallest teams, maybe even the smallest in our conference,” Benjamin said. “That makes every accomplishment that much more commendable, especially since our pitching reserve does not run very deep.”

Oberlin dropped two against the College of Wooster on Wednesday. Despite some great defensive plays and a dedicated pitching performance by sophomore Kate Oberg in the second game, Oberlin was not able to get things clicking on the offensive end. The ladies were hitting the ball hard but most of the hard hits traveled into foul territory.

With only one week remaining in the regular season, Oberlin looks to add to their win total and finish on a strong note. With good senior leadership and solid play, along with the confidence gained off of their win over LCCC, the Yeowomen hope to have a promising finish to their season.

“I’d like to see some more wins before I leave Oberlin. I’m convinced this is the team that will get us there, if we can only live up to our potential,” Benjamin said.


 
 
   

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