Another weekend, another sweep for the Washington University softball team as they trounced Maryville University, stretching their winning streak to eight games and their overall record to 26-5.
The Bears turned in Jekyl and Hyde performances, barely squeaking past the Saints 2-1 in the first game, but rolling to a 9-1 victory in the second contest.
Pitching was the theme of the afternoon for WU as sophomore Victoria Ramsey and senior Liz Smith hurled back-to-back masterpieces, holding Maryville to a measly two runs over two games.
Yet the first game was extremely tight. Maryville got off to an early 1-0 lead after Christina Daggert singled home Jennifer Krypta. The Bears roared right back when Jennifer Burgdorf scored on an error by Maryville shortstop Megan Porter in the bottom of the second inning. That’s where the scoring stayed until WU freshman Dianna Little singled in Lexie Kuznick, the go-ahead run in the bottom of the sixth inning. Then Ramsey, after loading the bases, got Maryville third baseman Amanda Nuyt to fly out to end the game.
While the first game was a cliffhanger, WU walked all over Maryville in the second game, scoring seven runs over the first two innings en route to a 9-1 blowout win.
With a large number of wins and only a few losses under their belt, the team is looking good as it prepares to go into the playoffs. WU remains focused on the task at hand.
“We started off really well and have continued to build,” Ramsey said. “Each game we get a little closer to peaking and we’re definitely improving with each game. Right now we’re still looking one game at a time and not thinking of playoffs too much.”
By stepping up their play, the Bears are continuing to improve upon their game.
“There are still a few areas that we need to improve,” Ramsey said. “One day our offense will be good but our defense will be shaky. The next day our defense will be strong but our offense will be shaky. We just need to concentrate on having a day where every aspect of our play is up to par.”
Head coach Cindy Zelinsky is happy with her team’s performance.
“Overall we’ve done pretty well with the young group mixed in with an awesome class of veterans,” Zelinsky said. “We’re still working on coming out and hitting aggressively.”
Zelinsky instills a positive attitude in the team. While they set high goals for their season, they do not lose sight of the basics of the sport and the importance of each individual game.
“We always work on fundamentals,” Zelinsky said. “Our goals stay the same and we are constantly working on the basics. We take one game at a time.”
With their dedication and persistence, the Bears look to end this season on a high note. Although this is only the fourth year of the program, the team has taken shape and improved by leaps and bounds.
Seniors Eissa Backman, Kristin Harrer and Liz Smith are the first graduating class of the program.
“[The seniors] are the foundation of the program,” Zelinsky said. “They are the ones who have implemented the work ethic and the pride that we have in the program. Without their leadership and conviction we wouldn’t be where we are.”
The Bears have eight games left before playoffs. However, only two games are to be played at home, a season-ending doubleheader against Webster University. By that time, WU hopes to be in prime position for a long postseason run.