Softball plays first ten games on spring break trip in Florida

The Muhlenberg softball team opened its season during the college’s spring break in Clermont, Fl. The annual spring break road trip featured ten games at neutral sites in Clermont. The ten-game set featured opponents from New Jersey, New York, Maine, Connecticut, Ohio, Illinois, Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania. After all games were completed, the Mules returned back to Allentown with a record of 3-7.

Despite losing most of their games, the Mules were able to pull some positives from their trip. Mules’ captain and second baseman Karissa Astrella ‘18 returns from Florida batting .400 and leading the team with 12 hits. She also knocked in a team high of six runs.

“We had a lot of positives in Florida, but the biggest thing I saw was our resilience. We never gave up and fought every game,” said Astrella.

First year head coach Molly Rathburn agrees with Astrella. She saw the same competitive edge in her players, which she is taking as a constructive outcome from the trip.

“A couple of games we came from behind in the 6th or 7th inning, so it was great to see that ‘never say die’ attitude come to life from the girls,” explained Rathburn.

However, the Mules were not flawless over their spring break trip. These early non-conference games are critical because they help prepare the team for the tough Centennial Conference matchups that are scheduled for April. Conference games and records determine which teams will make the playoffs. Rathburn believes that her team may have strayed away from their game plan and struggled to consistently play Muhlenberg-style softball.

“If we start worrying too much about our opponents, the little things start to slip and we don’t stay on the level that we are capable of playing at,” Rathburn said.

Duing the trip, the softball team was able to gain some experience. One part of this experience was acquainting them- selves with competing in close games. Four of the seven Mules’ losses had to be decided in extra innings. Another two were completed in regulation, but were decided by only one run. All in all, the team did not lose a game by more than two runs. Coach Rathburn indicated she believes playing in so many close games will be good experience that may lead to future team success.

“The team learned a lot about how we work under pressure and I think the girls are hungry to come out on top after being on the wrong side of so many close games,” Rathburn explained.

Overall, the softball team really enjoyed their time in Florida, especially after being not-so-welcomed back by all of this inclement weather and snow. “It is challenging to play ten games in per- fect weather and come back to snow on the ground. But, I think the entire team is really excited to play conference games and show everyone what ‘Berg softball is this year,” said Astrella.

Coach Rathburn agrees that the snow certainly is not ideal but to achieve the goals the team has set for themselves, they must embrace the hard times and still prepare the best they can.

“We have to roll with the punches the best we can and get ready for a busy April. The positive side is we have some time to work on things a little more in depth with the down time between games,” stated Rathburn.

Astrella touched upon some of the team goals the Mules have for this up- coming season, including some goals for individual games and the season as a whole.

“Work hard every single day, fight in every game and have fun with each other because playing in college does not last forever,” said Astrella. She also mentioned that a Centennial Conference playoff berth and championship are in the sights of the softball team.

The snow has already postponed the next four Muhlenberg softball games, as some have been rescheduled for later dates in April, while others have yet to be determined. Their next game will be their first conference matchup, which begins on Mar. 25, in a doubleheader against Washington College.

Photo courtesy of Muhlenberg Athletics