credit – Fort Scott CC
Tuesday February 10th marked the beginning of Head Softball Coach Kristin Schalk’s third year at the helm of the Lady Greyhounds. FSCC opened against Ottawa University’s junior varsity team, sweeping the double-header by scores of 6-2, and 3-2. Coach Schalk is very encouraged by the Lady Hounds display in the first two games.
“We are a very young team, and it was great to see these young ladies really showcase their skills in these two games. If we are going to progress to the level that I believe these ladies can get to, we are going to need every player on the roster to contribute. And our showing in this opening series is very encouraging for me,” Schalk said.
Freshman Kaylee Bart got the nod as the opening day starting pitcher. She pitched six strong innings striking out six and only allowing two runs. Freshman Amber Sutton relieved Bart to complete the game with an easy seventh inning. Sophomore shortstop Kalee Ewbank led the charge offensively for the Lady Hounds hitting a homerun in the first and adding two more hits for the game. Freshman Kristen Tyler had an RBI triple and a double to assist the offensive efforts.
“It was nice to see our ladies storm out of the gate and get three quick runs. It seemed like the overall mood of the team relaxed and we could just play from that point forward. We got good contributions from multiple players, and that is really nice to see as a coach,” Schalk said.
Game two was a more difficult task for the Lady Hounds, with the ladies pulling out a 3-2 victory. Sophomore Christa Merriman toed the rubber for FSCC, pitching a complete game allowing just six hits and striking out one. Kalee Ewbank again was a major offensive contributor driving in two runs, one of them being the game winnging run in the seventh. Freshman contributors were KC Beardsley who had two hits, and Kylie Wilson who added an RBI single in the second.
“This was a great opportunity for our girls to experience a game with some pressure. They had to battle back after giving up two runs in the first. And we really had to be patient to chip away and ultimately win the game. I am very proud of what I saw in the first series, and I am so excited for the remainder of the season.” Schalk added.
FSCC softball travels to Fort Worth, for the Cowtown classic this Friday and Saturday. The Lady Hounds will play three games this Friday and two games on Saturday.
