Softball prepares for vital games in quest for ODAC title

In the midst of a season that has experienced unforgettable highs and painstaking lows, Virginia Wesleyan’s softball team approaches a weekend that could make or break its chance at competing in the ODAC tournament. And from top to bottom, this team realizes that this is the crucial time to step it up.

“We’re pointed towards the tournament,” said Head Coach Conrad Parker, who is in his eighth season at the helm of VWC’s softball team. “But, in order to qualify, we have to play well the next three weeks. Four to six more wins should definitely get us in.”

Standing at 11-8 overall, and 4-4 in ODAC play, the Marlins prepare to face two ODAC rivals that are at the opposite ends of the winning spectrum.

On Saturday, April 9, the Marlins travel to face Randolph-Macon Women’s College, a team that is winless in ODAC play. Conversely, the next day, the team faces a quick turnaround to battle undefeated Lynchburg College.

A team that already possesses many weapons, Lynchburg had its confidence reinforced last week when pitcher Jen Overstreet was named ODAC Athlete of the Week for the week of April 4. With the pressure mounting, the Marlins are primed to knock off the conference leaders.

“They hit real well against us last year,” said sophomore outfielder Meagan Ptucha. “But we have been studying their hitting tendencies and are preparing to capitalize on it.”

The team is also using this week to practice on field-communication skills and their fundamentals, such as base running. Preparation is the name of the game this week as the Marlins embark on the home stretch of their regular season.

Caught in an emotional roller coaster the last few games, the Marlins experienced great success and heart-wrenching losses. Beginning on Saturday, March 19, they split a doubleheader against Guilford College, and then proceeded on a four-game tear against Greensboro College and Randolph-Macon College, two strong opponents, that resulted in Marlins outscoring their opponents 25-9. Not to mention the fact that Marlin’s ace-in-the-circle junior Becky Sowell, who pitched a total of 12 innings in the four-game span, only allowed a total of seven hits, two earned runs and 13 strikeouts. Confident and full of passion, VWC pulled into Roanoke College on Saturday, April 2, ready to knock off the Maroons, who were then nationally ranked No. 23.

Despite two close games that were both undecided until the final outs, the Marlins fell short in the doubleheader 1-0 and 2-1.

“We played extremely well,” said Parker. “The pitching was outstanding and both teams played hard. Unfortunately, we left runners stranded in both games.”

Even though the Marlins fell short, the experience proved to them that they could play with the best.

“We are capable of beating any team we play,” said Parker.

In sports, a classic phrase that has been repeated from tee-ball all the way up to the Major Leagues is: “Play to the final out.” And that is exactly what the Marlins intend to do.