The Observer, March 18, 2005
Volume XXXVII, Issue 21
After Florida trip, softball team has high expectations
Although the first home game of the season was cancelled due to inclement weather, the Spartans softball team arrived in Florida before the University Athletic Association Tournament. They played four games against non-conference opponents, which enabled the team to adjust to playing outdoors after practicing for two months in the Veale Center. Case finished in third place with a 3-5 record in the UAA, as Brandeis University narrowly stole a victory in the final game of the tournament. The Washington University Bears defended their title with an 8-0 record, with their pitching staff allowing only one earned run.
During the trip, a number of bright spots shined through for Case, including strong performances by the veteran co-captains as well as a few newcomers. Senior pitcher Jackie Rutherford and sophomore shortstop Leah Shook led the team through their actions on the diamond. Rutherford anchored the pitching staff by throwing 31.1 innings – the most of any pitcher in the tournament. Shook contributed not only with her glove, but also with her bat by having a .333 average and leading the team in slugging percentage (.519).
Freshmen Amanda Bell (P), Rachelle Gunselman (LF), and Lauren Seeds (CF) powered the Spartans offensively. Bell knocked a home run in a 12-5 thumping of University of Rochester, while Gunselman (.391) and Seeds (.357) led the team in batting average. Rookie catcher Elisha Bierman also made a key impact.
"E was by far our standout player," said Rutherford about Bierman. "She did an awesome job behind the plate and keeping the ball in front of her, and had some strong at bats when we needed to pull out a win."
The Spartans were 2-0 against the University of Rochester and 1-1 against Brandeis University. In the final game, Brandeis trailed 4-3, but scored go-ahead runs on a Case throwing error and a wild pitch in the sixth inning to win 5-4. Against the Bears and Emory University Eagles, Case struggled against dominant pitching by the opposition, which led to a 0-4 record. In recent seasons, the two teams have been among the best in the nation and have had an advantage of playing in climates in which they could practice and play outdoors.
Regardless of the team's record, the ladies took many positives from their performance in Florida.
"We won as a team, and more importantly, lost as a team as well," said Shook. "Our record doesn't do us justice – we played every game with heart and intensity. I'm looking forward to an awesome rest of the season."
The season continues Monday as the Spartans battle Lake Erie College for a double header at 3 p.m. at Tony Brush Field in Little Italy. Rutherford said that although they'll battle the cold and rainy weather of the north the rest of the season, "We are still shooting for a bid to regionals."
