Softball Team Looking at the NCAA Tournament

Spring sports are now underway and of course that means that softball will be starting soon. In 2013, Frostburg State University’s softball team posted a record of 33 wins and 12 losses. That was a huge improvement from 2012, when they achieved a record of 23 wins and 18 losses. The team has progressively been getting better each season and their record season after season shows that. Head Coach Wes Landrum said that the goal this season “is to make it to the NCAA tournament.” Coach Landrum said that it would be easier if the team won the CAC tournament, but that is not their only way into the tournament.

Last season’s standout, Mary Ann Moore, will be returning this season as pitcher for the team. Last season Moore posted a 2.33 ERA and won 20 games. On the expectations for  Moore this season, Coach Landrum said, “ I don’t expect her to better from a standpoint of wins, 20 is pretty remarkable.” He goes on to say that she has gained experience from her freshman year, and that will be invaluable as she begins her sophomore season. Coach Landrum further explained that all of the returning members should be better due to last season’s experience. Also returning for this season is Catlin Lovend, a senior who scored the most runs last season for the team with 48. Playing first base in the field, Lovend was also second in batting average, and she had the best on base percentage for the team.

One player that won’t be coming back this season is Shari Beavers. Last season, Beavers was at the top of many of the team offensive stat categories. She had a batting average of .442, which was the best for the team last season.  Her on base percentage was second on the team, and she also tallied up the most doubles last season. Beavers did a lot for the teams offense and Coach Landrum acknowledge that.

Landrum explained that it will not just be one player that is going have to step up. Several players are going to need to step up to fill the void. He believes that they are capable of doing that with the talent that they have on the roster. Another departure from last year’s team is not really a departure. Kerri O’Malley, who was part of the team last year as a player is now going to be a coach for the team this year. Having her back as a coach will be valuable for the players, as well as the coaches.

This spring semester has seen its fair share of snow. The university has already been closed multiple times so far this semester and it is only February. While the students may enjoy the snow, the softball team is not too fond of the snow. Due to the snow the team hasn’t been able to practice outside as much as they would like to. Landrum says that the extra snow is setting them back some because they do not have the opportunity to get batting work on the field. Hopefully, the players will rise above the adversity and continue on their upward trend. Ranked third in the CAC, the FSU softball team is poised to capitalize on their success they enjoyed in 2013. The lady Bobcats hope to have this season end with a CAC championship victory and a NCAA tournament appearance.

The lady Bobcats play their first game on Feb 28, against Randolph Macon in Virginia Beach.