Softball Team Off to Strong Start

The softball team is perfect to start the season.

The Lady Hornets swept their double-header at Mass. Maritime, winning by scores of 9-1 in the first contest, and 2-1 in the second.

It did not take long for the team to start knocking the opposing pitcher around in the first game, as the Lady Hornets plated seven runs in the second inning.

Freshman shortstop Jena Finnegan credits the offensive barrage to a good adjustment by the lineup.

"It was hard getting the timing because of the slower pitcher, but once we adjusted and got it, we got some solid hits," Finnegan said.

Though all but two hitters recorded a hit, Finnegan was the only to record two hits, driving in two runs in the process. She also stole two bases in the game.

Overall, Finnegan is glad that the offense finally got the ball rolling.

"It was good that we got the offense going, because we've been a pretty good defensive team, but the offense we've had an issue with," Finnegan said.

The second game of the double-header could not have been more different. Both teams managed to only plate one run apiece through the first six innings. However, the Lady Hornets scored the game-winning run in the top half of the last inning.

Finnegan thinks that the offense simply had a tougher time against Mass. Maritime's second starter.

"I think we had a hard time adjusting to the second pitcher being slower (than the first pitcher) because we were getting hits, we weren't just getting solid hits... We were too excited from carrying on from the first game," Finnegan said.

Finnegan did not record one of the four hits by the team in the second game, but still enjoyed the experience of a tight game.

"It (the close game) was exciting, and it kept every-one into the game," Finnegan said.

 These games were the first true test for the young team, and Finnegan feels that playing two completely different games was the ideal result.

"The majority of our team is freshmen, so I think having the two extremes, being ahead by so much, and being so close, gives us the experience to play under pressure," Finnegan said.

Next up on the Lady Hornet's schedule is another double-header, this time at Mitchell College. Games are scheduled for this Saturday at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.