After a 2-4 record in softball’s last six games, there is only six games left in their regular season to make a final push for the playoffs.
The Panthers sit tied for eighth in conference record with EMU after 16 ODAC games played.
April 10, the Panthers hosted Guilford where the team lost game one by a score of 7-0 but won game two 8-7 after a three run sixth and Brianna Michaels’ walk-off sac fly in the seventh.
“They keep their heads up and really stick together as a team. It is fun to watch,” Head Coach Joshua Freeman said about his team never quitting on themselves.
April 13, softball travelled to #8 Randolph-Macon where the team lost both games 7-0 and 14-0.
“We played really well against them for the first five innings at their place,” Freeman said. “If we get the opportunity (in the postseason) we just have to build on those good innings.”
April 16, the Panthers split a double-header with Averett. The women lost game one 6-1 but bounced back in game two to win 7-2.
Game one against Averett saw the score at 1-0 Panthers until Averett put up four runs in the sixth, and added two more in the seventh.
“We just have to finish. We put ourselves in a good position to win the game, just have to close the door,” Freeman said.
But the win in game two helps the team avoid a sweep which is crucial at this point in the year.
“Just have to keep winning games,” Freeman said. “First game, second game, and hopefully both of them.”
Softball is back in action April 18 as they travel to Roanoke for a double-header.
The team then will host their final four games of the regular season, with two against Randolph on April 20, and two against Shenandoah April 27.
“Every game is important. Just adds to the excitement knowing that if we win it gets us a little closer to qualifying for the tournament,” Freeman said.
April 27, prior to the start of game one against Shenandoah will be Senior Day festivities where four seniors–Kylie Atkins, Kerstin Snyder, Emily Walker, and Breanna Weaver–will be recognized.
Freeman in his first year as Head Coach and the women on his squad have six games to find a playoff berth and compete for an ODAC conference championship.
“Really what it would mean for the program and this team, getting the program on track and having this team experience the ODAC tournament,” Freeman said on what it would mean to him to make the tournament in his first year.
