The Seattle University Softball team won three games against University of Missouri at Kansas City, successfully sweeping the Roos this past weekend. The Redhawks have been on a roll as of late, starting the season 5-1 in league play. This is only the second time in the softball program’s history that the Redhawks have swept a league opponent.
Head coach Geoff Hirai valued the team’s accomplishment and the first sweep under his tenure.
“It’s a good way to keep our momentum going through the WAC [Western Athletic Conference]. Our goal is to win the WAC championship. So this just gives us a step forward [towards that goal],” he said.
Attributing to their great start to the season, he explained that it all boils down to dedication to the details.
“We are improving every day and buying into our culture and understanding that our culture will bring us to where we want to go,” Coach Hirai said.
The Redhawks’ stingy defense was on full display in the first two games, winning 6-2 and then 13-0. As if their steady defensive strategy was not already pivotal to the team’s success, their narrow 1-0 victory on Sunday highlighted Seattle’s ability to stay in games even when the bats aren’t making much noise.
“As time goes on we’re coming more together. Getting to know each more, playing together more, it’s a lot of fun to be with them” redshirt first-year Carley Nance said, who pitched a three-hit gem in the close game on Sunday to complete the sweep.
Similar to her coach, Nance believes it is her team’s commitment to winning that has allowed them to flourish as of late.
“Keeping our [level of] high work; that’s how we have been and that’s how we will stay,” she said.
She revealed how the team’s dedication to base running is a signature quality that the team prides itself on. “It’s hard, but once it’s over its so rewarding. We work hard and if we run hard during then we play hard together,” Nance said.
Teams that get off to hot starts tend to be susceptible to getting lost in their overwhelming success. Still, senior Maddy Kristjanson says they are keyed in, “taking it one game at a time.”
She is adamant that she and her teammates are focused on becoming better players rather than focusing on what the future holds.
“When we get to WAC, we are already going to feel prepared and will keep continuing to work on the little things to get ready and win some games,” she said.
The Seattle Softball team takes on Cal State Bakersfield this upcoming weekend. It will be interesting to see if the Redhawks can carry their strong play into the WAC championships beginning this May.
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