The Monmouth College softball squad started their season competing against tough programs in Tucson, Ariz., on March 10-14, when Monmouth students were on spring break.

The Scots were not able to earn a win while they were in Arizona, but the Midwest has treated them much better. The squad is 4-2 in their last six games, improving their overall record to 4-9.

Monmouth most recently won both games of a double-header against Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Monmouth on April 2. After winning a low scoring affair in their first game by a score of 3-1, the Scots’ bats came up big in a 7-6 victory in game two.

Haley Lyons, a freshman for the Scots, said the wins were important to the team.

“Today’s victories will give our team huge momentum,” Lyons said. “Rose-Hullman was 13-3 before we played them, and both of their pitchers had a 1.00 ERA.  It was awesome that we were hitting as well as we were. It was especially monumental when freshman Erin Fitzpatrick hit her first, the team’s second, home run. This gives us a good attitude going into our next game against a conference team, Lake Forest, on Sunday.”

The Scots had a balanced attack in the games, and two players recorded at least four hits on the day. Senior Emily Willems, who plays shortstop for the Scots, went 4-7 with a run scored and a run batted in while hitting leadoff, and freshman Erin Fitzpatrick went 5-7 with an unbelievable six runs batted in on the day.

Scots junior Sarah Christensen recorded both wins for the Scots, evening her overall record out to 3-3.

Monmouth’s first two victories of the season came on March 26 against MacMurray College, when they won by scores of 10-2 and 3-2. Willems also dominated against MacMurray, and she was named Midwest Conference softball Performer of the Week for her efforts.

The Scots know they do not have a lot of time to celebrate their recent victories, as they will begin Midwest Conference play on April 6 with two games against Lake Forest College in Monmouth.

“I am looking forward to conference starting on Sunday, as is the entire team,” Lyons said. “I think it is important to mention that this Sunday not only is a conference game, but it is a cancer benefit game. We will be auctioning off prizes in between innings, so please come out and show support not only for your Fighting Scots, but for every cancer foundation.”

Lyons has started all but two games for the Scots this season, and she, Fitzpatrick, Jill Hennenfent, Kendra Ricketts and Tiffany Lefler are the freshmen on the squad. Lyons said she has enjoyed playing for Monmouth so far.

“As a freshman adjusting to the collegiate level, I have realized the game moves faster than in high school,” Lyons said. “The pitchers definitely have more movement on their pitches, which can be tough to see. I do have to say that it has been a learning experience but it has definitely been worth it the entire way.”

Monmouth hopes to continue their recent success against Lake Forest, and then they will compete in Galesburg against rivals Knox College on April 9. The Scots have yet to be defeated at home this season.

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