Story by Alex Agueros, for The Muleskinner—
Despite nearly a third of the scheduled season being cancelled because of snow, Jennies softball has a 14-8 overall record, and is in a four-way tie for third in the MIAA standings with a 4-2 record.
The numerous cancellations provided obvious setbacks, but also some surprising benefits.
Head coach Susan Anderson says the days off gave some injured players much needed rest, and gave the team a chance for more detail-oriented practices.
“We’re trying to stay focused on the little things,” Anderson said.
Throughout the cancellations, junior Medora West also notes a different pace during practice.
“This year we’re very competition-focused,” West said. “We sprint against each other, and try to beat our best times.”
Long intermissions between games also let the Jens study upcoming opponents longer than usual. West, along with junior Braylin Bivens, are at the top of the Jens lineup, and value the extra scouting time.
“We train for what’s next,” West said. “We’ll work on hitting, depending on the pitcher. If the pitcher likes to hit corners, we’ll work inside, if they are more up and down, we will work on rise balls.”
Bivens added that with an offense like the Jens’, getting on base by any means can make the difference between a big inning, or a shutout.
“A lot of times if me or Medora can get on base, that hypes up the rest of the offense,” Bivens said. “Our hitting is very contagious. If we can get one or two on base it keeps continuing.”
The Jens go on a road trip to Oklahoma this weekend, with a doubleheader against Northeastern State (10-16, 2-4) at 1 p.m. Friday, and a doubleheader against Central Oklahoma (20-7, 5-1) at 1 p.m. Saturday.