With an undefeated record of 10–0, Chicago charges into the 2014 season head on and ready to win.
Most students spent their spring breaks on the beach or catching up on sleep at home, but the South Siders had no such respite. Playing 10 games over the course of one week, the team was victorious and embodied the saying “sun’s out, guns out” by taking Florida by storm, marking names and swiping bases.
Second-year pitcher Jordan Poole, who was named UAA Athlete of the Week this past week, shined with a 5–0 record in six appearances with a 0.41 ERA. She struck out 34 batters in 34 innings and limited hitters to a .149 batting average. Poole threw a no-hitter in a 1–0 victory over then-ranked No. 16 Carthage on March 23. Poole has also contributed offensively, hitting at a .526 clip and amassing a .737 slugging percentage.
“I think the Florida trip really showed us what was possible as a team. It made us hungry to keep winning,” Poole said.
The team is thriving, which Poole attributed to the Maroons’ varied strengths.
“I think we have a lot of chemistry, and most importantly, everyone has a role and is enthusiastic about performing to the best of their ability,” Poole said. “We are really gelling well together.”
This is the mindset the Maroons are going to bat with for the start of their spring season.
Their original schedule had the South Siders playing Aurora University (7–7) yesterday afternoon, but the game has been rescheduled to Wednesday, April 23 due to rain.
With April showers constantly looming, the Maroons are still prepared.
“We have been trying to keep practice loose, to not get complacent, and to work hard to prepare for the next game, whoever that might be with the weather,” Poole said.
This weekend, however, still sees Chicago facing Lawrence University (7–5) and Beloit College (3–12). The Maroons can only hope to see the extension of their win streak as they head to Wisconsin.
“I expect our excitement to stay up and for us to keep picking up wins as we go on to the weekend,” Poole said.
The South Siders face Lawrence University on Saturday, April 5 at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. and Beloit College on Sunday, April 6 at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
