The Oberlin women’s softball team opened conference play for the 2004 season Tuesday afternoon with a double-header against a powerful and aggressive Ohio Wesleyan team.
Oberlin lost both games by the “run rule,” meaning that the opposing team had at least an eight-run lead by the fifth inning. In these situations, the team with the lead is declared winner. Ohio Wesleyan found their success in steady pitching and run production.

Oberlin’s spark plugs flickered but never caught fire and the games were ultimately botched. The games marked the Yeowomen’s third and fourth losses of the season, bringing the squad’s record to 0-4 overall.

The Yeowomen are looking to build a foundation for future success. The program is coming off a 5-18 season, their most encouraging season since the program started in 1999. Building confidence within the program and keeping momentum up heading into the future is the focal point of the season.

Senior third baseman Sarah Benjamin remains optimistic about a season that has started off with four losses.

“Our record doesn’t reflect how well we have been playing this season,” she said.

It is apparent that the focus of this year is on the small victories: swinging the bat well, making routine plays and, most importantly, improving every game. It is also obvious that these are the things that will end up making Oberlin successful during the remainder of this season and down the road.

During spring break the Yeowomen went to Myrtle Beach, S.C. to stay warm and keep their skills sharp by playing exhibition games.

“Even though we were winless in Myrtle Beach we played extremely well, our defense was seamless and we were able to get some hits,” Benjamin said.

On Tuesday afternoon against Ohio Wesleyan, even the small victories were few and far between.

“Today we were unable to do the things that we were doing right in Myrtle Beach,” Benjamin said.

The season is young and Oberlin is ready to embark upon it. Oberlin will be looking to piece together the small victories and keep the upcoming games as choice as possible. With continued commitment Oberlin looks to gain big victories in the near future.

The Yeowomen, due to inclement weather, will play their much delayed, home opener against Notre Dame College this Thursday at 3:30 p.m.