The softball Cardinals returned from their spring break training trip in Florida with a disappointing record of 4-10. Although the Lady Cards are on a five-game losing streak and did not improve on last year’s record of 6-7, they are ready to turn around and have their eyes and hearts set on returning to NESCAC playoffs this year.
The Cardinals opened the spring break trip with back-to-back wins over Fitchburg State 5-1 and Monmouth College 6-5. Tori Redding ’13 had a standout performance in the opening games; she contributed a two-run double and then a five-run outburst in the 6th inning against Fitchburg State. Redding ’13 also added a walk-off RBI double in the win over Monmouth and for the day she went 3-for-7 with two doubles and three RBIs.
Despite having an impressive first day, the Lady Cards dropped the ball on the next three games by losing 3-4 to Rutgers-Newark, 7-14 to SUNY-Plattsburgh, and 6-8 against Fairleigh Dickinson-Florham. The Cardinals turned the next game around with a decisive 10-5 win versus regional opponent Babson College. Wesleyan came back from behind in the seventh inning, scoring six straight runs to capture the game. The Lady Cards battled to one final victory during their stint in Florida against Allegheny College with an impressive 10-2 match. After a powerful second inning that saw Wesleyan earn six runs, Alleghney didn’t stand a chance—the team failed to produce any runs for the remainder of the contest.
Despite the less than spectacular 4-10 overall record from the trip, Wesleyan hit .285, just four points shy of its rivals. Alexis Kral ’12 led the team with a .368 average, and Allee Beatty ’13 was next with her .348 average and team-best 16 hits. Sam Epstein ’12 produced a .318 average with a team-leading .545 slugging percentage as she collected four doubles and two homers. Finally, newcomer Jill Gately ’15 earned a .306 average, higher than any other freshman, and led the squad with 10 RBIs.
Fortunately, the team doesn’t have to wait long to turn around its losing record. With the home-field advantage, the Cardinals face-off against NESCAC West rival Hamilton College on Friday, March 30, and will play a doubleheader on Saturday, March 31. The Lady Cards wrap up the weekend with another doubleheader against Bates College this Sunday at home.