Spartan Softball Must Hit Mid-Season Stride
After their season opening victory against North Carolina Central University, wins have come far and in between for the Spartan softball team. The good news is that conference play is just getting underway, giving the Spartans an opportunity to make the months of April and May theirs. MEAC play culminates in the MEAC tournament, May 13-15, 2010 in Ormond Beach, FL.
This year’s squad is reasonably young, with only four seniors on the roster. There have been some growing pains, but that’s nothing any team doesn’t deal with on a yearly basis. Pitcher Alyssa Velazquez has been the bright spot for the Spartans thus far, bolstering a 3.08 ERA at the midway point of the season. Once everyone begins to gel as a unit, things should become a bit easier; this was evident in their March 18, 2010 victory against the Hampton Pirates.
After struggling in the first few innings, the Spartans were sparked by a quick two innings where they pitched and fielded well. The confidence they gained helped them to get a few late-game hits that set up a sixth inning RBI single from shortstop Jamie Raab to lock up the victory.
If the Spartans can remember the grit and toughness they showed in their close victories over Hampton University and the University of Virginia, the remainder of their schedule should be an exciting one.
