This past Saturday the women’s softball team traveled to Groove City to play in a double header. Unfortunately, the women had two close games and lost both.

The first game the women lost with a score of 2-4.

Junior pitcher Autumn Stemple got the start in game one, however it was senior pitcher Sydney Wilson came in relive and picked up the loss for the day after throwing two innings and having two stakeouts, no walks and two runs allowed in that span.

“As a pitcher and a leader on this team I know that our record does not define us. Of course we would love to be in a stronger position, but I see this as an opportunity for growth. My focus is keeping the team motivated, staying positive, and leading by example,” Wilson said.

Wilson was very humble with the losses the team picked up.

“We’ve faced tough competition, but we are learning from every game and adjusting. I believe in this team, and I know we have the talent and work ethic to turn things around,” Wilson said.

After having the season Wilson did last year, she noticed some changes with the team, some big and some small changes. 

“This year brought a lot of changes for our team, both in term of personnel and leadership. We have good freshman, including some in key roles, which means we’re focusing a lot on building chemistry and adjusting to the pace of college softball,” Wilson said.

Wilson also addressed the new coaching staff.

“We have a new coaching staff and while that comes with an adjustment period it also brings a fresh perspective on things and energy to the program,” Wilson said.

 Wilson is being very supporting of the younger players. “As a senior my role has been to help bridge the gap-supporting our younger players, reinforcing the team’s culture and embracing the direction our coaches are leading us,” Wilson said.

With the team being 2-4 in the conference Wilson still has hope for this team to turn things around.

“I think we are in a good position, and a lot of it comes down to continuing to trust each other and play for one another. We’ve been in close games, which show that we’re competing at a high level. We just need to focus on finishing strongly. That means staying confident in the big moments, making the routine plays, and capitalizing on opportunities. Most importantly, we need to keep having fun and playing with energy when we do that, we are at our best,” Wilson said.

Some other key takeaways from this double-header: Junior Alyssa Rager hit her first collegiate home run which put Waynesburg up 2-0 early in the first game. Camdyn Kowalczyk had the other RBI for Waynesburg. Pressley Meadows and Madison Baker both came into relief for Wilson the second game pitching a total of three innings and onlyu allowing two hits.  

The women’s softball team with stay at home for their next game on Wednesday, April 2 against Geneva which is also their suicide awareness game.  Game one is scheduled to start at 3:30 p.m.