Clan softball continues to win; sweeps WWU
After dropping some tough pre-season matches, the Clan softball team is off to a blazing start in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference.
The 2012 conference runners-up have yet to drop a game to a conference opponent this season and lead the GNAC with an impressive 7–0 record.
This success continued on March 16 against cross-border rivals Western Washington University as the home side won their double-header by scores of 7–2 and 7–0.
Pitching was a major factor in both games as Cara Lukawesky and Kelsie Hawkins each led the team to victory in their individual games.
In game one Lukawesky pitched seven innings, allowing one unearned run, before being relieved by freshman Mackenzie Bender. She would have to return quickly, however, following an injury to Bender in the eighth.
Lukawesky struck out seven in the first game, improving her win record to 5–4 on the season.
In game two Hawkins pitched a two-hitter, and struck out 10 as the Clan shut out the Vikings.
Her performance in the game would earn the junior the GNAC Pitcher of the Week award.
“Our pitching plays a major part in the success we’ve had so far,” explained team captain Trisha Bouchard. “Kelsie and Cara have pitched so dominantly since the start of conference play, and their performances really fuel us to play just as well on offence, and bounce back when we need to.”
That offence was present in both games against WWU. Game one was led by Bender, who batted five runs of a grand-slam and an RBI single in the third inning.
Danielle Raison went twofor-three with a run scored, and Alex Baylak scored two runs of her own and drove in two teammates off a single in the third as well.
In the second game Baylak went two-for-three again, scoring a three-run home run to cap a 6–0 third-inning rally. Bouchard, Carly Lepoutre, Lauren Mew and Rosie Murphy also scored runs for the Clan in the second victory.
“We have a lot of big hitters in our conference, girls who swing for the fence every at-bat,” continued Bouchard. “We have a goal of making the GNAC conference tournament this season, and to be in contention come April we will need to be mentally confident on offence and prepared to swing hard.”
That strong offensive presence paid off well for the team in the victory over WWU, and will continue to be a focus throughout the remainder of their season as they battle their way to the top of the GNAC.
