The Observer, April 13, 2007
Volume XXXIX, Issue 24
Spartans battle rain, snow, cold, and Otterbein
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One of the most frustrating aspects of playing softball in the upper-Midwest is the sheer lack of control over one's ability due to inclement weather. No example of this is more perfect than the Spartans' schedule over the past week and a half. Since April 1, the team has been scheduled to play four opponents: Kenyon College, Westminster College, John Carroll, and Otterbein. Of those, the softball team suited up and actually competed against a grand total of one team, Otterbein. At least the Spartans can take solace in the fact that they are not the only Cleveland area team, professional or amateur, dealing with such frustrations.
This past Monday, the Spartans were fortunate enough to travel away from Cleveland to compete in a doubleheader against Otterbein. The team's record was 10-13 heading into the day, and by mid-afternoon their new record was 10-14. The Cardinals scored two runs early in the first inning and then doubled their run production in the fifth, putting them ahead 4-0. Unwilling to be shut out, the Spartans showed some resolve, battling back in the bottom of the sixth to score two runs on three hits. Lauren Seeds hit a solo home run for her third homer of the season. Unfortunately, the two runs were not enough and the team ended up losing the game 5-2. Amanda Bell took the loss for the Spartans, dropping her record on the season to 5-6.
It was night and day for the Spartans during their second leg of the double-header. Ignited by something, perhaps finally realizing they were out of Cleveland, the team blew Otterbein out of the water by a final score of 13-4. Led by freshman Chelsea Poelking, who went 4-for-4 from the plate with a home run, a double, and four RBI; the Spartans scored eight runs in the second inning and essentially sealed the win.
In addition to Poelking, four other Spartans drove in at least two runs, including Ruth Sagartz, who played well in the field and at the plate. She had three hits in four at-bats at the plate, driving in two runs and scoring a run. Moreover, she was credited with the victory from the mound as she gave up only one run while striking out seven batters in five innings of work, moving her record to 6-5.
The Spartans are scheduled to have a busy weekend. Today they host a doubleheader against Ursuline, with first pitch set for 3:30 p.m. Tomorrow they return to the field to host Calvin for a doubleheader, which starts at noon.
