Mixed results, softball defense to improve
Charger offense kept opponents on their toes, but coach says, defense needs help
Kirsten Adams
Issue date: 3/12/09 Section: Sports
Charger softball split against the University of Charleston and was swept by West Virginia State University this weekend in two double-headers in Charleston, W. Va.
Head coach Jamie Meyers said while the team played strong offense, they are looking to improve their defensive work as the season moves forward.
"Offensively we had a very good weekend as a team," Meyers said. "The pitching was ok, but we just didn't play enough defense to help our pitchers out."
Meyers said the team also faced a bad case of hometown umpires.
"There were some pretty controversial calls that ended up changing some games," Meyers said.
Despite slanted calls, the Chargers enjoyed sunny, 80-degree weather all weekend in their first outdoor outing of the season. Meyers said the warmer weather gave the players looser muscles and better grips - making defense a little easier.
"It's always hard playing on dirt for the first time though," Meyers said.
Freshman pitcher Laura Homan took advantage of the sunny weather, scoring her second ever home run in her first ever collegiate at-bat.
"It just happened, Homan said. "I was so shocked. Coach has been helping me a lot with my mechanics, but I don't think my playing has changed that much."
Homan said the good team dynamics and closeness between different classes are some of the team's strongest points. However, she said she still notices many differences between high school and collegiate softball. The pitcher's mound, for example, is three feet further back and the level of play is much higher.
"It's definitely a lot more challenging." Homan said. "This is a hitters' league, not a pitchers' league. Everyone needs to be able to hit, and everyone needs to do their job."
Head coach Jamie Meyers said while the team played strong offense, they are looking to improve their defensive work as the season moves forward.
"Offensively we had a very good weekend as a team," Meyers said. "The pitching was ok, but we just didn't play enough defense to help our pitchers out."
Meyers said the team also faced a bad case of hometown umpires.
"There were some pretty controversial calls that ended up changing some games," Meyers said.
Despite slanted calls, the Chargers enjoyed sunny, 80-degree weather all weekend in their first outdoor outing of the season. Meyers said the warmer weather gave the players looser muscles and better grips - making defense a little easier.
"It's always hard playing on dirt for the first time though," Meyers said.
Freshman pitcher Laura Homan took advantage of the sunny weather, scoring her second ever home run in her first ever collegiate at-bat.
"It just happened, Homan said. "I was so shocked. Coach has been helping me a lot with my mechanics, but I don't think my playing has changed that much."
Homan said the good team dynamics and closeness between different classes are some of the team's strongest points. However, she said she still notices many differences between high school and collegiate softball. The pitcher's mound, for example, is three feet further back and the level of play is much higher.
"It's definitely a lot more challenging." Homan said. "This is a hitters' league, not a pitchers' league. Everyone needs to be able to hit, and everyone needs to do their job."
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