The frigid Greencastle winter impacted DePauw University softball. Deep snow and cold temperatures forced the team to practice indoors and less often. Despite these problematic conditions, however, the DePauw softball team has made the most of their indoor practices.
Tigers softball practice started on Jan. 27, and the team has been unable to hold practice outdoors so far. Instead, they have used the Hollensteiner Indoor Track Facility and continue to have positive attitudes about their practice situation.
"None of the players even think about it," said head coach Erica Hanrahan. "I never once heard anyone talk about playing outside for the first time this season."
The weekend of February 15th-16th, the Tigers traveled to Memphis, Tenn. to face off against Rhodes College and Maryville College, leaving with a winning record of 3-1.
"Our strongest element right now is that we are defensively sound," said Hanrahan. "Despite not being able to practice outside, we had no trouble fielding off the dirt and had some exceptional defensive plays."
Throughout all four games, the Tigers remained defensively strong and only gave up two errors, both on attempted double plays.
By using the large space of the indoor track, the team has been able to set up a full-size field for practice. The high ceiling has also allowed them to hit and field fly balls.
"We're very grateful for what we have," said Hanrahan. "All the teams in the Midwest are facing the same problem right now, but we're in a fortunate place."
In addition to the good attitudes and productive use of facilities, team members talked about how the practice dynamic has been more focused and intense compared to past years. With only five upperclassmen, the new players seem eager to prove themselves.
"This year, all 16 players work hard and have worked hard in the offseason," said senior Megan Landahl. "Practice has been intense and this team has good chemistry."
"Practice is a little bit of everything," added freshman outfielder Julia Waggoner. "There's a lot of energy and we have the focus and intensity to bring us to the next level."
This weekend, the team will travel down to Atlanta to square off against Messiah College and Emory University. Despite 12th ranked Emory being able to practice outdoors year round, DePauw players don't think that the team has an advantage in that area.
"We've all been playing softball our whole lives," said Waggoner. "Playing on dirt is nothing new and we can handle the transition."
Emory softball is always a competitive program and consistently ranks in the top 10 in the nation each year. Emory has currently slipped to 12th in the national rankings, despite an impressive 12-0 record. Their smallest margin of victory was decided by three runs.
The Tigers are excited to see what they can do against such a talented and proven program.
"This is an outstanding growing opportunity for us to see how we stack up against some of the best in the nation and see what we need to improve on," said Hanrahan.
"This is a big weekend," added Megan Landahl. "Everyone's pumped to leave it all out on the field, we have nothing to lose and everything to gain."
The Tigers will open their weekend slate of games on Saturday in Atlanta with a double header against Messiah.
