On last Friday’s clear crisp evening, the University of Dallas softball team prepared themselves for two games against Southwestern college. Their dedication, teamwork, and practice paid off with the Lady Crusaders winning both games against the Southwestern team from Winfield, Kan. Softball head coach Caitlynn Dykes and Graduate Assistant Jessica Scroggins helped the team get off to such a promising start to the season.
The first game was tight; UD’s Crusaders took the field in the first inning and let little get by them. When it was UD’s turn to bat, they not only took the lead, but kept throughout the game. The final score was 4-3.
The second game was higher scoring than the first, 15-7 with a Crusader victory. The fifth inning was particularly noteworthy with the Lady Crusaders scoring eight runs. Clearly after the first game, each team was warmed up and hungry for points, but Southwestern was no match for UD.
When the Crusaders played, particularly when they were up to bat, they constantly cheered and encouraged one another to keep up their spirit and momentum.
“I was so excited going into this season because I think this season we have what I think has been missing these past couple years,” said Mackenzie Tano, a senior on the team from Wylie. Tano is an outfielder and plays second base for the team.
“Not only do we get along off the field, but when we are on the field we play as a cohesive unit which I think is what makes the team successful,” said Tano. “I think the upperclassmen have done a great job of bridging the gap between us and the new girls. Everyone really stepped it up for the games … and ultimately I think that’s what made it so successful. I’m very excited to see what this team can do!”
Senior pitcher Emily Martin also lauded the camaraderie of this year’s softball team and was excited about Friday night’s wins. “We played really well as a team and they were two great team wins! I am really excited for this season and I’m really happy to be ending my softball career with this group of girls.”
Up next, the softball team heads to Brownwood Texas to play Howard Payne University on February 15. That game will be closely followed by a game on February 16 against Hendrix College.
