With the snow melted and sun shining brightly on the green softball fields of Grinnell, the sound of leather on leather has returned. The Pioneers return two first-team All-Midwest Conference South Division players in Emily Stewart '08 and Darcy Ward '09.
A mixture of upperclassmen stars along with a plethora of first-years amalgamates to form a women's softball team that has the capacity to go very far this season. "We have the potential to beat everyone this year," said Stewart.
The women's softball team is currently 4-4 after spending a week of their spring break in Florida. The record is very impressive especially considering that the team had never practiced or played outside before. "We are all really happy with the turnout," said Stewart. "We are playing some really decent teams."
This strong performance helped earn Ward the MWC Softball performer of the week award as well as establish the strengths of the team. Ward hit .640, two home runs, and drove in 15 RBIs during the eight game-span in Florida. "The offense has a lot more strength this year," said Ward. "It is really more consistent and pulls us through."
Since last season the team has lost a dramatic number of players, having graduated three seniors and losing five-sixths of the first-years that played last year.
To make for the loss, the team had a larger-than-usual influx of first-years this year. Forced up to step up and start earlier than expected, they will be crucial to the success of the team, as they make up the majority of the infield. "It is different than high school softball," said Veronica Reavis '11. "The hitters are more aggressive."
Last year the Pioneers went 8-16 with a conference record of 5-8 and failed to reach the conference playoffs. However, they are optimistic about competition this year as they will be returning their most vital members.
The Pioneers were picked by coaches in the league to finish 4th this season in their respective division. "We were ranked low," said Stewart. "We are going to have to prove a lot of people wrong and I am really excited to do that."
Starting on Apr. 4 the Pioneers will play ten games in a span of six days. This will include the Hy-Vee Invite set to take place this weekend in Grinnell. The Pioneers will begin play on Friday at 10 a.m. against Nebraska Wesleyan. "The team will do very good this year," said Reavis. "We just need to do our best and work hard."
