Jana Morning, Campus Carrier asst. sports editor
The Berry women’s softball team is on a six-game winning streak following their most recent competitions against Rhodes College and Millsaps College. The team, that has an overall record of 16-5 and a Southern Athletic Association (SAA) conference record of 6-3, has found success rooted in playing together well and appreciating the day-to-day process.
The Vikings have been looking at both veterans as well as some of the younger players to produce on the field.
“We have a lot of young players that are getting to start, coming [into] big spots, and doing really well, which is really promising for the future of our program,” Bayleigh Masterson, a senior infielder said.
Samantha Crabtree, also a senior infielder, said finding team unity, but also team individuality, is one obstacle they have faced this season.
“I think one of the biggest challenges we have faced this season is defining our team identity and finding that ‘one thing’ that is going to set this team apart from past years,” Crabtree said.
Despite the challenges of COVID-19 restrictions, which led the team to have a difficult time working together, the team has been able to find their rhythm and time to bond and connect with each other off the field in order for their chemistry to shine through while competing together.
“Getting everyone on board with what our program stands for was probably our biggest challenge.” Masterson said. “I think it just takes time and with COVID time kind of slipped away.”
With only four, compared to the usual eight, conference teams advancing to the SAA play-offs, and just two weekends left of regular season play, the overall team atmosphere is one of excitement. While the team has found success, they still believe the key is to focus on one practice, one game and one play at a time.
“We obviously know that we’re capable of winning the conference tournament and going on the national tournament, so we’re super excited and hopeful for that,” Masterson said. “But I think we need to worry about what’s right in front of us. We just have to take it one day at a time.”
The Vikings softball team has two double-headers remaining in the regular season. The team heads to Hendrix College in Arkansas this Saturday and finishes their season with a home competition versus Centre College on Apr. 17, kicking off the weekend with Senior Day at 12:00 p.m.