The Manchester College softball team has had its ups and downs throughout the season so far, but has high hopes for the upcoming games. A few more wins are needed to secure a spot in the top four in order to advance to the HCAC tournament next weekend. Currently the ladies have a 7-17 overall record and a conference record of 3-7. However, these records fall short of showing the team’s dedication, strengths and chemistry.

  
From a new coach to a team with a large number of first-years, the season has had its deal of struggles, but the lady Spartans don’t back down, and they don’t give up. “Despite all the changes and the youth of the team we have stuck together to make it enjoyable,” said senior Leticia Bitner.

“We have persevered through it all, even though odds were against us. There are important games coming up. We all know that we have to play our absolute best ball and leave everything we have on the field, every game.”

  
Having new coaches, both head and assistant, can be a challenge for any team to go through. However, the girls knew to have a successful season they would have to accept the changes that the team had to go through. “We have come a long way since the initial switch,” Bitner said. ”Sometimes we don't fully understand their reasonings, but we respect them enough as coaches and individuals to listen, and we have confidence that they will lead us in the right direction.”

  
Wins have been tough to come by for the softball team, so far this season, but most of the ladies agreed that as long as they are having fun and trying their best, that is all that counts. “There has been a lot to get used to; this season has been full of new experiences and opportunities,” said sophomore pitcher Kristi Brown. “It is a work in progress, but with our good team chemistry we are adapting faster.”

  
Among the downs, the girls recall many ups that have occurred this season. Including their most exhilarating win against Rose-Hulman, who were ranked first in the conference. Along with the wins, being part of a team that is full of dedication and fun has been many of the girls’ most memorable moments.

  
“This season has been one of the best seasons I have ever had playing softball,” said Danielle Stoy, who has played softball for 13 years. “The team we have gets along as if we have grown up together, and every game we seem to be getting better because of it.”

  
Each day the girls endure a vigorous workout and practice on the field in order to advance their skills and hopefully advance their team into the HCAC tournament.                 

  
“For the rest of the season, I hope for more learning experiences and to pull out some big wins in order to make it to the conference tourney,” Brown said. “That way we can show that we can be put through anything and still come out on top because of our great team chemistry and hard work.”

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