March 22, 2007

Softball dominates in Florida
By Sarah Vadaj
srv001@marietta.edu

Over spring break the pioneer softball team opened their season in Florida returning from the Rebel Spring Games with a 9-1 record under their belt.  

A strong preseason prepared the 2007 team to defeat nationally ranked teams and set a competitive tone for the season. 

The first two days in Orlando the team started the season strong with victories over No. 30 Rhode Island (6-0), MCLA (11-3), US Coast Guard (11-3), and Anderson (13-2).

The team endured their first loss of the year Tuesday morning to Simpson (2-0) but quickly bounced back and defeated Fontbonne (4-0) that afternoon.

The Pioneers finished the week strong sweeping games from Benedictine (1-0), SUNY-Geneseo, (4-3) Carthage (8-4), and No. 24 Rowan, (6-2).

 “We’re off to a good start and hopefully we can maintain our success,” states senior co-captain and shortstop Jenny Carroll. “Our offense is very productive this season and our defense is solid.”

This week proved that defense was the team’s strength, allowing opponents to score few points if any. Marietta is also equipped with an experienced bullpen that shut teams down.

Kristen Quintana, senior pitcher and co-captain, reached a new career milestone on Monday when she earned her 41st career victory, tying with the most all-time wins at Marietta College. Later in the week, Quintana picked up two more wins making the title her own. She also tied the record for strike outs in a game with 15.

The bats got moving and it didn’t take long for the Marietta’s offense to put up points. Brandy Jacob, junior, contributed 15 hits this week and seniors Lindsey Romick and Jenny Carroll chipped in 13 of their own. Christina DeMoss, sophomore, got 10 RBI’s over the week.

“We have a solid group of seniors that contribute a lot of experience and will ultimately guide our success this season,” commented sophomore first baseman Emily McComb.

The team returns proud of their accomplishment but are ready to revenge for the OAC title.

Marietta’s home opener is Wednesday, March 21, against Denison. The game is scheduled to start at 3:30 p.m. The first OAC play occurs Tuesday, April 4, against rival Muskingum.  First pitch will be at 3:30 p.m.