Chilly winds brought about cold bats for the Regals’ softball team on Saturday, Feb. 23, as they fell to the No. 22 ranked Claremont-Mudd Scripps in both games of their double-header.

The Regals started off quickly in game one thanks to sophomore third baseman Liz Mertel, who singled into center field, scoring senior outfielder Brittany Labbe in the bottom of the second inning.  Two innings later Mertel singled again, this time bringing in senior catcher Shannon Tinsley for a 2-0 lead.

“I just wanted to try to do my part, put the ball in play and help out the team,” said Mertel. “I kind of got in the hole and tried to work my way out and just make something of my at-bats.”

Junior pitcher Katelyn Downing held the Athenas scoreless through the first four innings, giving up only two hits.

“I went out knowing that this team was really beatable,” said Downing.  “I just needed to work on my corners and keep the batters off balance.”

However, the Athenas’ bats came alive in the top of the fifth pulling them ahead 3-2.

After a RBI triple from the Athenas and three unearned runs later, the Regals found themselves down five. The score would hold as is and the Athenas went on to win game one 7-2.

“We pitched well enough and played defense well enough first game for the most part to win. We just haven’t been hitting the ball,” said head coach Debby Day.

In game two, the Athenas got out to a fast start and never looked back as they displayed an offensive flurry.

Sophomore pitcher Shonna Christianson held the Athenas scoreless in the top of the first, giving up only one hit.

The Athenas took advantage of their opportunities the next inning and scored three runs.  In the top of the fourth, the Athenas added four more via a three-run homerun.

The Regals saw their best chance to score in the bottom of the fifth, but Mertel and Chriastianson were left stranded as Downing lined out.

The Regals were unable to score any runners for the remainder of the game, sealing a 7-0 victory for the Athenas in game two.

“They had base hits and we got nervous and out of our element,” said Sakamoto.  “There were errors that started, everyone just tensed up, and when that happens our hitting gets even worse.  We just need to figure out a way to calm ourselves down and take our swings like we do at practice.”

While offense is a concern for the Regals, the team has the talent to get the job done, as well as the right mind set moving forward.

“We just need to keep getting more consistent. We’ve started off record-wise not where we want to be, but there have been improvements every single day,” said Day. “We need to keep playing loose, keep building confidence and once we start hitting the ball like we’re capable of, scores are going to turn around.”

Jase Magarifuji
Staff Writer
Published Feb. 27, 2013