Western Courier

Issue date: 3/5/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: File Photo Senior left fielder Britt Mason went 1-for-3 with two RBIs against Kansas on Sunday.

The Westerwinds softball team had similar results from the last tournament and was unable to come away with a win in the Southern Illinois Coach B Classic.

Western (0-9) was shut out in the first contest against the Salukis and lost by a count of 5-0. The results were not much different in the second game of the tournament, as the 'Winds fell 5-1 to Bradley University.

The third match-up of the tourney tested the will and fight of the team. The 'Winds were down 8-1 early and found themselves in a deep hole. Western dug itself out in the third inning when it went on a tear and scored five runs. That wasn't enough to ward off Big 12 opponent Kansas and Western fell, 8-6.

"That (Kansas) game really showed me the heart and fight in the team," said coach Holly Van Vlymen. "We got down early and everyone came together and battled to make it close. I think if we continue to play like that, we will be OK."

The 'Winds did not put on the offensive display they did in the last game of the Coach B Classic and lost 8-0 to Northwestern.

Van Vlymen said she feels Western's struggles are due to the lack of mental focus on the young roster.

"It is more of a mental thing," Van Vlymen said. "Until we can put it together mentally, we are not going to be successful. They really have to put themselves in a game situation in practice, and you have to practice like you are in a game."

The 'Winds got good pitching performances from juniors Kamren Ferguson and Courtney Jacobson. Ferguson pitched twice on the second day of the tourney and did not win either decision. Van Vlymen feels it is important for her pitchers to stay confident and evaluate their performance on the entire stretch of the game.

"I thought both of them did a good job," Van Vlymen said. "Although they have not won a decision, they need to focus on the whole game. You can't let one or two pitches affect you. It is not only on them; the team has to make plays behind them as well."

The 'Winds made timely errors and did not cash in on offensive opportunities, but Van Vlymen feels the team is still confident and looking forward to competing again. She has stressed being mentally prepared in order to get over the losses and get a win.

Western travels to compete in the Kansas tournament, where it will face the Big 12 foe once again Saturday, March 8 at 4 p.m.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools