SMC Softball: Homestand a chance for Belles to rebound
BY PAT LEONARD
Sports Writer
On paper, a doubleheader versus Calvin College today looks like another MIAA match-up. For the Saint Mary's softball team and coach Anna Welsh, however, it is much more.
After losing four of six games during a busy weekend of league play, the Belles have dropped to fourth in the league and are in danger of dropping further.
Saint Mary's (14-10-1, 4-4 in the MIAA) will host Calvin (14-9, 3-3 MIAA) today with the hopes of returning to their winning ways of earlier this season. In particular, the Belles want to prove that their 8-2-1 record at Fort Myers, Fla. was a realistic reflection of their talent and ability.
"I know Florida was not a fluke," Welsh said. "We played very well and were very focused. I am not getting the same thing lately, which is very disappointing; however, the girls know what they need to do, and we are ready to bounce back and play Calvin on [today]."
The Belles are an unimpressive 1-4 at home so far this season. They will have a great opportunity at turning that record around by playing four consecutive doubleheaders at home starting today.
The pitching of junior Libby Wilhelmy and freshmen Bridget Grall and Kate Sajewich has been satisfactory.
Still, fielding problems and inconsistency at the bat are issues Welsh and company have to address for the Belles to make an abrupt turnaround. Most of the key runs the Belles have given up late in games have been unearned.
In a 9-2 defeat to Adrian College Sunday, Wilhelmy pitched 3 2/3 innings and gave up seven runs, yet only two of those runs were earned. Saint Mary's made two errors in a five-run fourth inning for Adrian. The Belles must worry about improving their fielding, and they must be aware of league happenings, as well.
Albion defeated last place Kalamazoo 3-1 and 5-0 Monday to move to 5-3 in MIAA play and ahead of Saint Mary's in the standings. The Belles have to kick it into gear quickly or possibly fall out of the postseason tournament.
"The top four teams in the conference play in the conference tournament to determine who goes to the regional," Welsh said. "We need to win both of those games to stay in contention for the conference tournament."
All Sports Stories for Wednesday, April 16, 2003
