To put things simply, this week for the Gustavus Softball team will be extremely busy. With conference play now in full swing, the team’s schedule is jam-packed with double headers against MIAC opponents. Two double headers from two weeks ago were postponed to this week due to weather implications, meaning the Gusties will have five conference double headers in one single week.
On Tuesday, April 12, the team started their very busy week that will consist of ten total games by splitting a double header at Hamline University, where the team lost the first game 8-4, but came back to win the latter of the two games 7-0, backed by a shutout from Junior pitcher Jena Willis, who also tacked on three RBI’s in the contest.
After this split, the Gusties had little time to rest and recover before hosting Augsburg College in the squad’s first home game of the season on Wednesday, April 13. The team once again split, taking the first game by a score of 8-0, and falling in the second game 3-0. The Gusties are set to take on Macalester College at home in their third double header in three days on Thursday, April 14. Wrapping up their active week will include hosting Saint Mary’s University on Saturday, April 16 and traveling to Concordia College on Sunday, April 17.
Thus far in conference play, the team has done quite well, compiling a conference record of 5-3. Overall, the squad has earned a record of 14 wins and 8 losses, which has included games in Tucson, Arizona, and multiple other non-conference contests. The strong season has been backed by strong play from the entire team. One player who has stood out, and has been acknowledged for her extraordinary play by earning MIAC pitcher of the week honors in back-to-back weeks, is Junior Hannah Heacox.
“I felt honored to be named pitcher of the week. It is very cool to be recognized for something I love to do,” Heacox said.
Heacox has collected 10 wins and only 3 losses on the season, with an ERA of 2.34.
“So far, this season is off to a good start. We lost a lot seniors last year, and I think many of us have stepped up to take on the roles they left for us. I have been very impressed by our work ethic and grit to get the job done,” Heacox said.
Assistant Coach Shelby Nosan ’15, agreed with Heacox that the players are stepping up to fill in the spots left from last year’s large graduating class, which she was a part of.
“I think a lot of people were doubting this team early on because of all the seniors that graduated last year, but the girls have filled those roles quickly and showed that they are wanting to compete at a very high level. I think the highlight so far was when the team took a game from Central College which was the team that knocked our team out of regionals last year. The girls sent a message that they want their season to be a successful one,” Coach Nosan said.
In regard to her first season as a coach of a team she was a part of only on year ago, Nosan has nothing but good things to say.
“I am so grateful to (Head) Coach Annis for the opportunity because I have loved every second of this experience. The transition from player-to-coach was and still is very hard, but I am enjoying it so much. It is definitely a role that I see myself in for the rest of my life. I still get to join in on some drills and have fun during competitions, but I admit the games do get hard sometimes,” Coach Nosan said.
The players of the team have enjoyed being coached by their former teammate just as much as Nosan has enjoyed coaching them.
“You can never have too many passionate coaches on the staff. Shelby has great familiarity with the program and is always nice to have a knowledgeable person to seek advice from. She knows the players well and can relate to us very easily,” Senior Kaitlyn Bicek said.
Bicek, along with her fellow senior teammates are not looking forward to hanging up their cleats at the end of the season, but hope to make some lasting memories before their careers are over.
“This season is bittersweet. It is the last year of competitive play for my fellow seniors and myself. It’s hard to say goodbye to a sport we are passionate about and fell in love with at an early age. This season is also a lot of fun since we have the added responsibility as the leaders of the team. That being said, I wish it were not my last year,” Bicek said.
All members of the team seemingly have the same goal, a MIAC Conference Championship and a bid to the NCAA National Tournament.
“We have a solid squad that can compete with any team in the conference. I also believe that our team is continually getting better and growing stronger as the season progresses. We are hungry for another MIAC Championship title, so we are striving to have the opportunity to compete for one in the playoffs this year,” Bicek said.
The title-hungry Gusties look forward to competing in the remainder of the season and hopefully into the playoffs. Their busy campaign will continue into the month of May. Head out to the softball field sometime this spring to see Gusties in action.