Western Courier

Issue date: 4/11/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Adam Sacasa Senior infielder Samantha Valentine is batting .410 with three home runs and 15 RBIs this seaon, leading the 'Winds in all categories.

The Westerwinds softball team is coming off a win over the Huskies of Northern Illinois and will host South Dakota State this weekend in a three-game conference series.

Western (4-21) split the mid-week doubleheader with Northern (6-19), losing the first 3-1 and winning the second contest 9-6. The 'Winds had been on a skid, and this win helped the team get back on track.

"I think the win against Northern was good to get us right back to where we were before all the rainouts," said coach Holly Van Vlymen. "The girls were playing well and they were excited. That was a good win for us."

Western got another great performance from senior infielder Samantha Valentine, who went a combined 5-for-7 with a home run and two RBIs. She boasts a .410 average with three home runs and 15 RBIs at this point in the season overall.

"I think I do lead by example, I just go up there and try not to think too much," Valentine said. "Everyone has their own routine at the plate, and I try to calm down and hit the ball hard. I just want to get comfortable, and I think everyone should find what's comfortable for them."

With Valentine leading the hitting brigade, the pitching staff needs to step up with the loss of junior Kamren Ferguson. Van Vlymen said she was pleased with the effort her pitchers gave against Northern and says they need to continue to turn in good performances.

Ferguson was a workhorse and with her absence, the staff had to make adjustments. Van Vlymen said it was difficult but she feels confident about the current pitchers' abilities on the mound.

"I think people are stepping up in light of what happened," Van Vlymen said. "(Courtney Jacobs) and (Lori Pankratz) both pitched well and they know that is something that we can't control. I think yesterday was good for that situation too."

The return of the junior has not yet been determined, but she is currently in a cast and will visit a doctor on Tuesday to get an update on her condition.

The team has felt the effects of the missing ace. Valentine said they realize that they must react to the challenge and continue to play hard on the field.

"It has affected us more mentally than anything," Valentine said. "Our pitchers have come through and stepped up a lot, and our offense is continuing to do so. She is definitely missed, but I think we can pull through."

The 'Winds will use good pitching against SDSU this weekend. Van Vlymen said they have changed their focus as of late and look to take a new approach against the Jackrabbits.

"We are not so much looking at the bigger picture and focusing on the process, you know, things like scoring first, executing the fundamentals, playing good defense - those are the things we are focusing on now."

The 'Winds' home series has been rescheduled due to poor weather. There is a doubleheader on Saturday starting at noon and a single game on Sunday also at noon.

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