The University of Chicago’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1892

Chicago Maroon

The University of Chicago’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1892

Chicago Maroon

The University of Chicago’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1892

Chicago Maroon

Maroons hope to rob the Flying Dutchmen of their booty

The Chicago softball team is optimistic in spite of 5-3, 11-3 losses to Hope.

The slippery and unpredictable surface brought about by the spring weather has been indicative of the Maroons’ season thus far. At times, namely when they won seven games in an eight game stretch over spring break, it seems as though the squad finally found their balance. However, just as quickly, the team slips, struggling to find its footing for a series of games. Immediately after their winning stretch in sunny Florida, the South Siders were defeated in five of their six games upon their return.

A recent pair of losses to Hope in a doubleheader on Tuesday leave Chicago at 9–9 on the season.

The Maroons kept the first game against Hope close but were unable to clinch the win. Third-year pitcher Jordan Poole was the first to connect with an RBI single in the second inning. The next two innings would see Hope knock in three runs to bring the score to 1–3 heading into the sixth inning. Chicago persevered, however, earning two runs. Second-year Anna Woolery sent third-year Devan Parkinson home after a single with Parkinson on third base. Woolery then got a run herself off a double from second-year Maggie O’Hara. This brought the score to 3–3 at the top of the sixth inning.

This would be the last time Chicago would convert the rest of the game. The Flying Dutch earned two runs in the second half of the sixth inning to come away with a 5–3 victory.

The two teams then turned right around to compete against each other again. Chicago could not seem to shake off their last match, however.

“We definitely got a little defeated that we didn’t come out with a win in the first game and let that spirit carry into the second game. We need to do a better job of adding on the positives from the first game and using the loss as more motivation to come up with a win in the second game.” O’Hara said.

The Flying Dutch earned a grand slam, a three run home run as well as a solo home run all during the second game. Hope walked away with an 11–3 victory and two wins in their pocket.

Yet, Chicago still came away from Tuesday with positive lessons to be learned.

“We did, however, do a good job of scoring first in both games; moving forward we really need to focus on keeping a lead throughout games and not getting complacent. We always preach the idea of winning every inning but haven’t put this into fruition in any game yet.” O’Hara said.

With hopes of converting what they learned throughout the Hope series into wins, the Maroons are excited for their next match up against Illinois Wesleyan. The squad enters the game with definitive goals for the doubleheader in mind.

O’Hara said, “Going into our next game against Illinois Wesleyan, we need to focus on executing on all the little things. It’s a really solid team and was one of our few losses last year. They’re definitely beatable though, we just have to work really well together as a team, play solid defense and string hits together.”

Due to rainy conditions, the doubleheader with Illinois Wesleyan, originally scheduled for Thursday, April 9, has been postponed to Monday, April 13 at 3:00 p.m.

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