Softball Team Blog: 2010 Season
May 10th, 2010
Abby Bergakker
MESSIAH SOFTBALL 2010 MAC COMMONWEALTH CHAMPIONS!!!! That’s right ladies and gentlemen, we won back-to-back MAC Championships ... but it wasn’t easy. We knew we had our work cut out for us after splitting our final regular season games with LVC 7-0 and 0-3 a little over a week ago. Although the split was disappointing, the day as a whole was a success. It was senior day and the underclassmen did a great job of making the day special for Nicole, Lindsay, Tori and me. On behalf of all four seniors I’d like to say thanks to the underclassmen for all the hard work they put in to make the day one we’d never forget. After the games we celebrated by having a cookout and a home run derby. It was fun to hang out as a team with our family and friends, and for me personally to reflect back on my four-year experience as part of the Messiah softball program.
With only a few days to recover from the split with LVC and prepare for the MAC tournament, we began work on Monday by reviewing game film from Widener, E’Ttown and LVC, and discussing strategy for each pitcher we might face in the upcoming weekend. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday were all spent working on our offensive short game. Each day we scrimmaged, working on dealing with pressure and putting bunts and slaps in play. They were difficult practices, but they successfully prepared us both mentally and physically for the increase in pressure and intensity that comes with post-season play.
Overall the week was stressful for everyone with classes ending on Tuesday and finals beginning on Thursday, but by Friday morning many of us were nearly done with finals and ready to play some ball. As the #2 seed in the tournament our first game was against the #3 seed Widener. We started out a little shaky defensively, but in the third inning we got the bats going and went up 3-0. We scored another run in the fifth inning and ended up winning 3-0. Next we faced our foe, LVC, who had beaten E’Town earlier in the day. We got off to a quick start when Jess knocked out her long awaited first home run of the season putting us up 2-0. We had clearly shaken their star pitcher Laura Snyder, but were unable to score again during the game. Strong pitching and defense allowed LVC only one run in the game and we pulled out a 2-1 win.
Finally it was time to relax a little bit and celebrate our two big wins. We all headed over to Coach Jen’s house for brats, burgers, and .. ladder golf! Nicole and I played against Coach Dana and Coach Weaver. It was a very intense game filled very little skill but a lot trash talking. We were unable to finish the game, but Coach Weaver is insistent on determining the winner this week. After dinner we headed to our hotel in Hershey and spent the evening studying, relaxing in the hot tub, and some of the girls just went straight to sleep.
Saturday was the big day. After defeating LVC the day before we guaranteed our spot in the championship game. In the morning Widener defeated E’Town to advance in the tournament and play LVC. They handled Widener easily, beating them 8-0 in five innings. That decided it; we would face LVC for a fourth time in just over a week to decide who was the best in the conference. Of course we knew we were the best before the game even started, but we knew we had to go out and prove it on the field. The wind was crazy that afternoon, and we knew that would be a challenge during the game. It certainly played a role as the game began and LVC scored two runs right away in the first inning. However, that was all the scoring they managed in the game. Our bats woke up in the fourth inning as several great hits resulted in four runs. LVC pulled Laura Snyder out of the game, and put in Val Malizzia and we knew we had them scared. We cheered loudly and watched as looks of defeat showed up on the faces of all LVC’s players. Solid defense helped hold off LVC and we won the game 4-2. Jess struck out the final batter of the game and we all ran to the mound to celebrate.
It’s a great feeling to win the conference, not just once but twice in a row now. Saturday’s win was a true team effort because of the great defensive and offensive plays that were made, and it makes the win that much more special. We work so hard all year long training and practicing for this, and it’s so rewarding to finally see the fruit of our labor. My experience playing softball at Messiah has been absolutely amazing, and I gained far more from it than I ever anticipated. Softball has been such a huge part of my life and I will be devastated when my career ends in a week or two. But, for now I’m extremely excited for what we have left of the season, and can’t wait to defend what’s ours ... the National Championship.
Abby Bergakker
Senior
Messiah College Softball
April 26th, 2010
Tori Hatt
The week started out a bit slow because Coach was kind enough to give us the day off practice on Monday. This was much needed as we are in the midst of a very trying and tiring time of the semester. On behalf of the entire team I would like to thank Coach Weaver! We went back to work on Tuesday and Wednesday in preparation for our games against Baptist Bible and Arcadia. Much of our time lately has been spent on situational hitting. We are learning how to score runs in tight games and it has and will be very useful as we face tough competition.
Well, we were able to pick up two wins against Baptist Bible and one against Arcadia. The second game against the Knights was a battle as we struggled to hit through the defensive walls. We fought hard and did not give up throughout the entire game. I commend my teammates on their attempts and look forward to working hard this week to prepare for Lebanon Valley. It is necessary for us to sweep them in order to earn the number one spot for playoff seeding. We got this ladies, let's work hard this week!
On Friday evening after practice Coach asked Lindsay and I to share some of our wisdom during team devo's. I started out by giving a little bit of my story here at Messiah. Here is a little run down for those of you who may not know that, I was recruited as a pitcher, moved to the outfield, played all but two positions, sat the bench quite a bit, moved back to pitcher and went through some tough, personal struggles that affected softball.
Throughout this time I never lost sight of what this experience is all about. It is not about me. It is not about statistics or starting games. It is about the journey. It is about being a family, about being so enmeshed that when my teammates are out on the field I feel like I am out there. It is about fulfilling the hopes of the past and creating a future. It is about the love of the game. It is about doing what my teammates and my coaches ask of me. It is about making the best of this four year commitment. Every single girl is significant to this team. You never know when Coach is going to call on you to get the game winning hit or play an unfamiliar position. Every practice is important. I have heard the saying that "you win games in practice" and I could not agree with this more. It is so important to take every practice seriously and prepare for what is to come.
Twenty years from now we are not going to remember who started, who had the leading batting average, or who made the awesome plays. We are going to remember the lifelong friends we made and the experiences that we shared. We are going to remember the journey. As my career comes to an end, I look back on my time on this team and it has been one of the best experiences of my life and I am going to miss it greatly.
God has given each one of us talents and an opportunity to use them in an awesome environment. I am so excited to see where God leads this group of beautiful and bright young women this season and in the future!
God Bless,
Tori Hatt
Senior
Messiah College Softball
April 19th, 2010
Myranda Cox
With only six more games in the regular season, and only about three to four weeks left of classes, we’re slowly becoming quite the anxious crew. Many have been feeling the stress lately due to family and friend illnesses and such, which tend to add a little to the stress factor. All the while, we continue to work together — pray for each other and our loved ones, remembering our sole purpose of being on the field, to honor God.
So, the world continues to turn while we’re consumed in the game we love. It almost seems as though when we’re together with the common goal and motivation, nothing else exists until either practice or the games are over; then we come together as a family with prayer requests and praises to lift up to our God and king. But until then, we praise Him with our actions, worshiping Him through the gifts and abilities He’s given us to play the game.
This week we focused on batting a lot. One practice was devoted purely to just that. We worked on executing the small ball, and how to help our teammates score with less than two outs by sacrificing ourselves. One would be amazed by the feeling of putting down a sacrifice bunt —s ome of the girls on the team would say, “It’s almost a better feeling than a home run!” Either way, we’ve served our team, and the feeling can sometimes be overwhelming (we love this game)!
We had four games this week, which was a small adjustment after only two weeks ago having eight games in a week. Even so, it was a tiring week — for players and coaches alike. On Thursday we traveled to Eastern University. After the long bus trip, the team was still in high spirits, having stick battles and spitting contests while waiting for those in the training room. Come game time though, we were focused and ready to play. We won the first game 5-0. The second game was more of a challenge. The Eagles had a fighting chance in the fourth inning when they tied it up. Once the game went into an international tie-breaker, the executing practices proved to pay off. We scored two runs and held the Eagles to win the game 4-3.
The Saturday games, at Albright College, were a different story. We all stuffed into the vans for the hour-long trip. Saturday was also a Breast Cancer awareness day for Albright, or at least their softball team, so we all joined the cause, coaches as well, by having pink pre-wrap on our heads, wrists, or hats. Though we may not have played to our best abilities both games, we pulled out two wins: 2-0 and 6-0. On a positive note, Jess Rhoads pitched a perfect game the first game … congrats girl! The only thing I can say about that day, was the one thing I distinctly remember coach saying, “Good teams find a way.” And we found a way to get through it.
So, after a long week, and our small struggles to “find a way,” through our trials on the field and in our everyday lives, God makes a way. And the deeper we get into this season, the more prevalent this becomes. If nothing else is proof of this, one thing is for sure: Though we are each very, very unique, we are becoming more like a family every day.
Myranda Cox
Freshman
Messiah College Softball
March 22nd, 2010
MaryAnn Becker
Coming back from spring break in Florida is a bittersweet feeling. Coming off a six-game winning streak is definitely a high to this feeling. We flew into Orlando, Florida last Saturday. Just getting off the plane and seeing the sun shining told all of us it was going to be a great week. After getting our luggage and rental cars we headed to the houses where we went and picked rooms and settled in to our homes for the next week. Shortly after unpacking we went to an open field to hit. Some coaches went off to the store to pick out the groceries for the houses for the week. From there we went to our first practice at the National Training Center, one that Coach Weaver cut short since we worked hard and she knew we were all starving and exhausted by this point.
Sunday was a day of relaxing and a little conditioning and worshiping. First thing in the morning (around 10 a.m.) the entire team (coaches and Drew) all gathered in one house where Lauren and Jess Brown led devos. During devos Lauren had a little incident with her chair and everyone lost it. Things were back in order and we began to sing. Coach taught us a new song which everyone seems to like a lot — it’s a round. At the end of devos we were told our workout for the day and we went our separate ways. Some ran in groups and we did what we had to do. We got a bite to eat and went right to practice; it was a good practice knowing that we would get to play games tomorrow. We were focused and serious, yet we had fun at the same time. The end of practice meant the start of free time, which ended with a team dinner.
Lights out at 11 meant Monday was going to be an early day and indeed it was. Leaving the houses at 7:30 a.m. was not fun, but stepping on to the field to warm up made it all better. We played New England College and won 11-4. And then played Ripon College and won 11-0. In the Ripon game Abby Bergakker hit a GRANDSLAM!!! After the games we had visiting hours with our family and friends that came down. We got to hang out at our houses and just relax, then go straight to dinner at one of the parents’ houses. Dinner was a blast to getting to talk with our own parents and then teammates and their families.
Seven came early again on Tuesday morning. Our first game was against SUNY-Genesseo which we won 3-2. The second game (which was rather intense) we won 3-2, with the winning run being slapped in by Abi Buchler. When she slapped that ball the entire dug out and all of our fans exploded with joy and the team ran out the field to congratulate her. Once again after the games we had visiting hours, this time they lead up to a dinner held by the alumni association. Our parents were able to go, and the baseball team and their families and the golf team as well. It was fun, we were able to get to know other athletes and eat and fellowship together for a few hours. This was the first night we did not have curfew but that didn’t matter because a lot of us were exhausted.
Wednesday was supposed to be a beach day but it turned out to be a nasty day, so plans were changed. We ended up going to the movies. We all didn’t go see the same thing, so it was fun to go back to the houses and talk about them but of course not give away the ending. Right after returning from the movies we had a quick team meeting to figure out what we would have for dinner, which ended up being Chinese food. At the meeting coach also gave us our workout for the day which consisted of a 30-minute run and then ab workout and pool workout and a few other things, but it didn’t take more than an hour and we had time to shower before dinner.
Thursday was a fun day, as we woke up and had a two-hour practice, then a few of us went with Coach Alex to a place called Langes. Let me tell you: If you are ever in Orlando, you should look it up. It was a market-type place that made their own OJ and then made Orange blasts (OJ and vinallia ice cream) and smoothies and homemade cakes and strawberry short cake. It was delicious and well worth the drive. That night, we all got cleaned up and dressed nice and we went to Universal City Walk and the families got to come a long too. It was a blast. We ate at Margaritaville and had live entertainment. Taylor and Jess Rhodes even sang on stage with him. Once we were done eating we got to walk around and do a little shopping, which is always fun.
Friday was the last day of games and we had to finish out the games on a high. We played Bethany College and won 2-0. Then we played Wisconsin Whitewater and that was one heck of a game. The sun was out but the wind was blowing, Jess Rhodes almost had a grand slam but was robbed because the wind blew it and the outfielder caught it at the last seconded. She bounced back and pitched one heck of a game and we won 1-0. Once we were dismissed after the game family time began and we got to go hang out with our families, this was for the remainder of the day and all day Saturday.
Sunday was an extremely early day, we left for the airport at 5 a.m. and had to wait in lines like no other, it was insane and rather frustrating. But once we were through security, things settled down a little. A lot of the team slept for most of the ride back, we ended up back on campus around 11:30 a.m.
This past week was a blast, full of team bonding and great softball playing. Hopefully the way we played in Florida stays with us and set the tone for the rest of the season. Practice starts again on Tuesday with our first home game on Wednesday against Dickinson. So hopefully it’s another great week of softball for us.
MaryAnn Becker
Freshman
Messiah College Softball
March 4th, 2010
Lindsay Hall
I was beginning to forget what dirt felt like underneath my cleats as we drove up to the National Training Center on Saturday night following a crazy day of flying and eating Chic-Fil-A in the airport. But as we stepped out onto the field to do our warm up jog, I remembered … it feels amazing! After being stuck inside the gym for the past few months, each member of the Messiah softball team was itching to get back on a real field and play the game we have grown to love. Practice is not usually the highlight of anyone’s day (especially after being up since 8 in the morning) but nothing could top the amazing feeling of stepping on to a real softball field with 17 other girls that I truly care about. Looking around the field I saw many girls with smiles reaching from ear to ear and it gave me so much joy!
Our days in Florida were fantastic. We practiced on Saturday night — which by the way was quite chilly — followed by a Sunday morning workout at the NTC. The time we spent practicing was extremely beneficial for our team as it was our first chance to practice together (infield and outfield) on an actual field. The only down side of our practice time was that Lauren took a ground ball to the eye. But have no fear because Dr. Dot was near! In the corner of my eye I saw a woman with a bright red jacket running toward the field and I knew that Lauren was about to receive medical care from Dr. Dot Richardson — two-time Olympic gold medalist (which by the way she let us hold her gold medals on Sunday during her motivational talk) and NCAA Player of the Decade for the 1980's. Oh, and she was also made into a Barbie! Lauren was in good hands and ended up looking like Rocky throughout the rest of the trip. She was a trooper!
Monday finally arrived and we were ready to play. We took on Oneonta State University and did very well, winning 8-0 in six innings. Immediately after that game we played Thiel College and won 7-2. Numerous people had outstanding days at the plate, specifically Gigs (Abi Buchler) who went 5-8, Abby who went 4-5, and the two Hatters as Tori went 3-3 and Taylor blasted her first ever collegiate homerun! That night we went to dinner at Sonny’s BBQ — a place I have been going to since I was a child and have grown to love. I am so happy that our team has discovered this gold mine of a restaurant and delights in real southern bbq!
Tuesday was pretty much insanely busy from the moment we woke up. Rain pushed our games back and I received a text from coach telling us to “go back to bed and wait for a text!” About an hour later we received a text saying “get out of bed now, we are leaving in 45mins!” Panic erupted. Eventually everything was sorted out and we ended up only playing one game at a field down the road from the NTC. I think we might have experienced what it is like to be in a tornado as the wind was gusting 30-50 mph. Our game was against Hiram College and they were ready to play. The game was hard — both physically and mentally — and we learned a lot about where we are at as a team. It is good to play tough teams and be mentally challenged and we definitely were. Thankfully, we persevered and won the game but we all know that the road ahead will be tough as everyone wants to be the team that says they beat the defending national champions. To that I say, bring it on.
The journey back to Grantham was long. We made lunch in Coach Jen’s van which was quite a sight to see. It kind of looked like we were camping in the parking lot of the NTC. Fast forward two hours and we were finally at the Orlando Airport where Daniella was told she could not get onto the flight because she didn’t have her ticket. Finally, she was allowed on and the back of the plane (all 18 softball players) cheered for Daniella as she walked down the aisle. I am so thankful we got to go to Florida to play and spend time together as a team. This team has 18 very talented players and I think that there is going to be a lot of good ball played this season. Come out and watch us play, I think you’ll be in for quite a treat!
Lindsay Hall
Senior
Messiah College Softball
February 9th, 2010
Abi Buchler
So here we are ... Back in season! It seems like this year just started and we're already back into softball once again. Official team practices with all the coaches started this week and we all got right back into the swing of things (no pun intended!). It's great knowing that this season has officially started and the 2010 Messiah Softball team is here to play!
Spring semester also started this week and some natural adjusting has been happening as we figure out our new class schedules along with practices everyday. So far we've been in the gym most days and we even made it out onto the turf once before all the snow came. Practices have been a combination of hitting, fielding, scrimmaging and just getting to know our teammates better. We've really taken the time to focus on our goals for this year and how we can improve in all aspects of our lives. I'm really looking forward to what this year has to offer and I know we can be a great team!
Even though this week has been pretty full, it's still been exciting to finally get together with our full team and coaches. We still have plenty to work on but I know we'll be ready for our first game in two weeks! Hopefully we get rid of some of this snow before then! We ran a clinic over the weekend but then got right back to practicing again on Monday. I know this is a tough time for most of the team to adjust to classes and softball and I pray we can keep our stress low and focus on working hard and having a fun, rewarding season. Keep up the great work ladies! Messiah Softball is here once again!
Abi Buchler
Sophomore
Messiah College Softball
January 29th, 2010
Jessica Brown
J-Term might be coming to an end, but our team is looking forward to the official beginning of the 2010 season! Although we have been working hard on our own we can't wait to have our first real practice in less than a week! January has been filled with workouts, some gym time and the occasional pool time as we gear up for the spring. J-Term is a good time to focus on softball because we only have one class to worry about. Even though we will just be beginning our practices soon, I can see that our team is really going to work well together.
We've been working hard preparing for the season, but we've also had some fun together, too! Since we weren't able to have our Christmas party in December, we had an after-the-holiday party at Coach Sam's house. We had some amazing home cooked food and had a blast singing karaoke together. Even Coach Weaver got in on the action! It's great to spend time with the team again and get to know each other, especially the new players, better. Next week we'll also be doing some more team activities, including a low ropes course and the high ropes course. We all get to go home first this weekend for break! It's so exciting to think that we'll be outside on the field playing games before we know it!
We all can't believe how quickly the season is approaching, but we are very excited to see what it holds in store for us this year! Let's Go Messiah!!
Jess Brown
Sophomore
Messiah College Softball
November 12th, 2009
Abby Bergakker
It’s almost Thanksgiving break!
We’re all counting down the days until Thanksgiving break and it’s almost here! Everyone is busy right now with classes and homework as all our professors are trying to cram ridiculous amounts of work in before break.
We’re still getting together as a team for prayer and we are all trying to stay on top of working out in the offseason. Some of us get together for Bible study on Thursdays. Needless to say it is a very busy time! It’s nice to have a break after the fall season, but at the same time I really wish it was spring already so we could be practicing and playing. Instead we’re doing sprint workouts and lifting weights when we can fit it in.
But it’ll all be worth it in a few months. For now I’m just looking forward to team Thanksgiving dinner at Coach Alex’s house next week. It should be a great time of fellowship and good food.
Plus I just really love homemade food!
Abby Bergakker
Senior
Messiah College Softball
October 6th, 2009
Nicole Adams
We started out this weekend with a team hangout night at the Rhoads'! We had amazing sloppy joe's and the legendary chocolate chip cookies, along with so much food we could have fed the entire state of Pennsylvania! After we stuffed our faces we had a great time hanging out as well as an amazing round of the "Ha Ha game!" It's fun just kicking back and hanging out with the team outside of softball games.
On Saturday we had our fall tourney that was held at Bloomsburg. We started off well and played really well in the first game. However, we didn't do as well as we had hoped in the next couple games, but I think we gained a lot from the experience.
1. WE FINALLY GOT TO PLAY!!! ... It seems like we've been practicing forever! 2. We meshed with the freshmen and became one team even more than we already have!
3. We also were able to see how great and versatile our players are.
4. We were able to see what we need to work on during the off-season, both individually and as a whole.
5. We had a lot of fun.
6. Car rides with the team are amazing.
Now that the tourney is over we are all very busy keeping up on school work.
Being tempted with one day of playing made us very excited and hungry for the spring season ... so please get here soon!
Nic
Nicole Adams
Senior
Messiah College Softball
September 11th, 2009
Rebecca Stackhouse
And we’re back!
The past couple of weeks have included being excited to move back into school and see all my friends and then becoming unexcited when classes finally started. Ha just kidding kinda. So anyway being back at Messiah is good. The team has already had a few hangouts including a very nice and lazy day sunning by the Yellow Breeches. This also included floating down the creek in awkwardly shaped and sized rafts, which was so much fun and only a little painful in the shallow parts.
We officially started practice with the coaches on Monday. It feels good to be playing again. Also we have been getting to know the new freshmen players and the new team dynamics. Even though it feels like it was just last week that we won the National Championship, I also feel like this is definitely a new season with a clean slate. I am excited to see where the season takes us and feel confident that this team is ready to work hard instead of sitting back on past victories.
Until next time…
Stacks
Rebecca Stackhouse
Junior
Messiah College Softball
August 19th, 2009
Lindsay Hall
What a tremendous blessing and honor it was to be a part of such a wonderful team last season. This summer I have had the chance to take a step back and reflect on our amazing season since we literally had to pack everything up and head home the day after winning the National Championship! I am so proud to be able to say that I was part of the first Messiah softball team to win a National Championship and I know I speak for everyone when I say that the support of all of our fans and parents was the fuel that kept us going through the season. You all were great and we are so grateful for your dedication!
Softball aside, this summer has been one that I will never forget. I had the opportunity to serve as a missions intern with Push the Rock which is a sports ministry based out of Emmaus, PA. For six weeks I had the incredible privilege of serving God through the use of various sports. I believe that God is calling me to serve Him after I graduate through the use of international sports ministry and I cannot wait to see how His plans for me unfold!
As the summer winds down I am forced to look back and smile as I think about all of the things that God has done not only in my life, but in the lives of all of the young women who comprised the 2009 Messiah softball team. We will never have the same team again, but there is no need to be sad because we have five talented girls coming this fall! They will be just another form of motivation to work hard and continue our goal to be not only a great softball program but to be one that is different because of our faith.
Look out everyone because we are back and hungrier than ever for another National Championship!
Lindsay Hall
Senior Captain
Messiah College Softball
