Softball searches for sustained success

 

 

BY KAMERON CHATMAN

VN STAFF WRITER

 

It had been a long time coming for the Detroit Mercy softball team.

After missing the Horizon League postseason tournament every year since 2009, the Titans made an improbable run in last year’s playoffs, despite an 18-game losing streak during a regular season in which they finished 15-32.

The team credits determination and strong senior leadership for overcoming the losing streak and making the playoffs. Unlike basketball and other sports where every team makes the postseason tournament, in softball, only the top six teams make it. The Titans earned the fifth seed last year.

After losing their first game to Wright State, Detroit Mercy won three straight elimination games to reach the championship semifinals, where they lost to Youngstown State.

 “I was very proud of the fight and determination these girls had that weekend” said graduate assistant Sam Henderson. “Losing the first game of the tournament can be very discouraging but they all came together and encouraged one another because they knew another loss meant we were headed home.”

With success last year they are determined to keep moving in the right direction this year.

Now that they know what the tournament experience feels like they are going to use that as motivation during every workout and practice.

“We have high expectations for this season” says sophomore, third baseman/catcher Jen Lorenz. “Even though we made it to the semi-final match last year when no one thought we would, we are still not satisfied.”

With six fall games coming up, they are going to use those to test where they stand and see what they need to improve on before the spring season begins.

With the addition of new talented freshmen, as well as the tournament experience from their returners the Titans plan on having an even better year this year.