Zachary Worstell
zdw001@marietta.edu
A new team may be taking over the diamond. The Marietta College Softball team had their first winning season post covid last year. This momentum led them to the NCAA Division III Regionals, and they finished the season with an overall record of 24-17. The Pioneers look to improve on what they accomplished last season by training diligently in the offseason.
The Pioneer’s Softball season began in Florida at the Spring Games over Spring Break. Their first game came against DeSales University. The Bulldogs had already played games earlier in the season, hence their experience showed in the early innings. DeSales took an early 6-0 lead, however Marietta mounted a comeback. The Pioneers only allowed three singles in the game and amounted three runs themselves. However, they started off with a loss.
Marietta’s second game of the day was suspended in the 5th inning due to poor weather conditions. Marietta was trailing 3-2 to Waynesburg University when the game was called off.
The following day Marietta’s struggles continued as they faced two strong teams. Calvin University started with an early 3-0 lead and was able to walk away with the game 7-2. The same issue was seen against Bethany Lutheran College. The Vikings got off to a 6-0 lead which Marietta was not able to comeback from. Each team exchanged two runs to finish the day 8-2.
After a 0-3 start to the season, the Pioneers found their footing in the next three days. In the third day of the Spring Games, Marietta faced Defiance College. The Yellowjackets were able to start with a two-run lead. However, Marietta went on to score in 5 of the 7 innings and win 15-4. The next game against Illinois College did not go as well as Marietta found themselves down 2-0 early on. Marietta was not able to comeback as Illinois took control and won 10-1.
The following day, Marietta outscored their opponents 20-3. First Marietta’s bats were hot against Carlow University as they outscored them 16-1. Afterwards, the Pios scored four straight runs to defeat Thomas College 4-2. The Pios next game came against #7 Rowan University and while Rowan got off to an early 4-0 lead Marietta kept the game alive for extra innings. Marietta was not able to secure the victory and loss 7-6. However, Marietta did not struggle in their last game, as they shutout Elms College 9-0.
Marietta left Florida with a 4-5 record and split both series against Alma College and Wittenberg University at the BSN Sports Softball Classic to move to 6-7.
Last Sunday, the 24th, Marietta dropped two to Penn State Behrend moving to 6-9. Fortunately for the softball team, they still have all their OAC matchups left. Last year the Pios went 13-5 against the OAC. Hopefully that is a good sign for the Pioneers to finish off strong this season.
Next up Marietta travels to Ohio Northern (7-7) on Friday March 29th, then hosts Mount Union (15-4) on Wednesday April 3rd.
