The 2006 Oberlin College softball season wrapped up this past Monday with an end-of-the-season showdown against Case Western Reserve. Despite putting forth solid efforts, Oberlin lost both games 9-1 and 8-0.

The Yeowomen did not finish as strong as they would have liked. Sophomore Ashley Gorham summarized, “It was really disappointing to end the season with four straight losses. I know we can play a lot better than that.” In the game against Case Western, the Yeowomen’s only run came from senior Sarah Johnson at the top of the fifth, after first-year Becky Goldring hit a sacrifice fly.

The OC softball team finished 1-13 in the conference and 3-30 overall, an improvement over last season’s 0-14 and 2-25. As senior pitcher Kate Oberg said, “The team has really developed since last year with our win numbers.”

Gorham echoed this belief as well. “We won more games than we have in a while and we also won a league game.”

Three key seniors will be sorely missed next year — second baseman Katie Dover-Taylor, outfielder Miriam Elfstrom and pitcher/outfielder Kate Oberg. Oberg emphasized that she has been proud to be part of the team and thinks that they will “grow and really improve next year.” The Yeowomen will draw from their solid nine returnees to step up into leadership roles.

They are looking for improvement next year, explained sophomore Ashley Gorham: “I think we really need to focus on doing better with our hitting and reducing our errors next year.”

The NCAC conference is tough, as powerhouses Ohio Wesleyan and Allegheny have snatched the first and second spots the past two seasons. Allegheny has actually played in the NCAA tournament ten times since the 1980s, and Ohio Wesleyan recently produced an All-American. NCAC players will flock to Denison University today and tomorrow to see who will be crowned conference champs for the 2006 season. The teams competing are Ohio Wesleyan, Kenyon, Wittenberg and Denison.

In a conference with depth, a team like Oberlin’s is sometimes overlooked. However, they have the talent and work ethic to improve on the field for next season. As Gorham recapped the overall season experience, “I’m really sad that the season is over because I enjoy spending time with all the girls on the team — they are all so fun!”