Little competition, weather are two challenges team faces
The CU women’s club softball team has rounded a number of afflicting bases this year.
Comprised of only four games, the program’s fall season was unusually brief as the team earned a record of 2-2. That trend appeared persistent as heavy snow affected the start of the spring season. The winter weather unexpectedly delayed the team’s return to the field.
“The snow definitely impacted our team. It’s tough to prepare when practices and games get cancelled,” said senior president Miranda Mesloh.
However, the program’s annual spring information session caused a pleasant stir as the team gained five new contributors.
“With a number of new players joining the team, our main goal was for participation and competition,” said head coach Fig Stokes. “We want as many girls as possible to compete in the games that we play.”
And as the snow started to disappear, the team finally began to establish a consistent routine.
“When we finally made it out, we saw the strength of our defense, and we noticed some heavy hitters in our lineup too,” Mesloh said.
The team has also relied on four solid pitchers, Stokes said.
“This is probably the strongest team that I have seen talent-wise in the three years that I have been involved with the program,” he said.
A new conference organization also unfolded, catching the attention of the non-affiliated team. The team began communicating with the National Club Softball Association.
“My initial response was quite positive because it seemed that somebody was finally taking club softball by the reigns,” Stokes said. “After doing research, I was less enthusiastic. When I added all the factors, it did not seem to be the right thing for us right now.”
An NCSA membership would entail various restrictions that Stokes was not entirely comfortable with, including specified equipment sponsors, he said.
“These restrictions may be at odds with CU’s policies or they may not be the cheapest resources available, which is a big concern for a club team,” he said.
The small number of potential teams the NCSA approached in the Midwest also discouraged the CU program. Due to a lack of club teams in the area, many of the Buffs’ competitors have been from community or junior colleges this season.
The team faced strong competition at a tournament in Hastings, Neb., earlier in March, finishing the event 1-5. The only club team competing in the tournament, CU also saw action against varsity programs from a number of four-year colleges. The team lost three of its games by only one run.
The competitive experiences have helped the team discover its capabilities, freshman catcher Tori D’Amico said.
“Our team has a lot of talent. We may just be a club team, but we could really compete with a lot of schools,” she said. “The whole team has gelled really well together, and we can only get better.”
With an overall record of 9-9, the team looks to improve its standing with a busy April ahead.
“We always hope to finish a season with a solid winning average, which I think we can accomplish considering our remaining schedule,” Mesloh said.
Unfortunately, the first baseman recently tore a medial collateral ligament shortly after recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament injury. She does not expect to return this season.
“It’s a heartbreaking experience, but I am still trying to be a strong voice on the team,” Mesloh said.
The Buffs welcome Western Nebraska Community College to Boulder on April 3. They will then head to the U.S. Air Force Academy to face the Falcons on April 6.
The team’s itinerary also includes a home tournament shortly followed by a trip to Nationals. The third annual University of Colorado Invitational is scheduled for April 14-15 at Stazio Ballfields.
“We usually have around 10 teams that come from all around the country to play two days of highly competitive softball,” Mesloh said.
The tournament helps the team establish links with other schools in the region, Stokes said.
CU will then travel to Spokane, Wash. to compete in its final national tournament, a pool-play tournament for non-affiliated teams. The championship event is scheduled for April 18-22.
“I think seeing a lot of different teams at the Invitational will really help our team to prepare for Nationals,” D’Amico said. “I don’t think any team will take us by surprise at Nationals.”
While the team holds high expectations for its final tournament appearance of the season, a strong core of young student-athletes presents a promising future.
“It’s encouraging because we are a fairly new club team, and the younger women are always ready to step up with their commitment,” Mesloh said. “They should carry the club on well throughout the next couple of years.”
The team currently consists of a considerable amount of freshmen that have established a significant presence on the team, D’Amico said.
“The freshmen have a lot of talent to offer, but we are also very dedicated. I think the freshmen have really proven their place on the team, and I think the younger players can really bring our team to a higher level.”
Contact Campus Press Staff Writer Corey Jones at corey.jones@thecampuspress.com.
