Seniors sweep softball team to gain conference bid
It was a day to remember as the Lady Scots softball team set foot on the diamond on April 3 against Wesleyan College. The field was packed with fans as the teams went up to bat, preparing for a day of record breaking ball and for a bid at conference.
Sunday was the second game in the Lady Scots battle with Wesleyan College as the teams played it out for the Lady Scots senior day. The Maryville College women made it clear that they were going to fight in one of their last hoorahs with their top three seniors, Emilie Craven, Kayla Aloisi and Megan Mihaliak.
The senior trio has led the Lady Scots both on and off the field, and in doing so have led the team to their first ever bid to the USA South Conference Tournament. Turning around the MC softball program, and led by Coach Leah Kelley, the ladies now sit on a record high 17-15 regular season, which is the most wins the team has seen since 2009.
At the MC senior day game, Craven kept the Scots strong by diving for an infield catch and turning the catch into a double play that ended the game. The start of the game was not as easy for the Lady Scots as they struggled against Wesleyan’s pitcher, Melissa Webb, who fanned nine batters. Things began to turn around in the bottom of the fifth as MC Jenna Roberts singled to right to score Mihaliak. Following the score was MC Jessica McMahan who secured an RBI single to score Roberts, bringing the game to a 2-0 Scots’ advantage.
Mihaliak led the team with three runs and an RBI, going 3-for-5 at the plate, while Craven was 1-for-4. Aloisi pitched her tenth win of the season and nabbed her own solo home run on the diamond. Aloisi remained on the mound for four innings, only allowing five hits and fanning two batters.
MC was also headed by some young leadership on the mound. Sophomore Alexus Murray went 1-for-1, junior McMahon went 2-for-4 as well as sophomore Savannah Cook. The younger leaders on the team have learned from the examples set by Aloisi, Craven and Mihaliak.
“It was a humbling experience, getting to fight with my team to ensure a win for our three amazing seniors,” Murray said. “The way they lead is something I have soaked in, in preparation for next season when they have moved on the bigger and better things in life.”
The Lady Scots completed their sweep against Wesleyan 9-0, 7-0. They look to play Meredith College and William-Peace University for their last regular season conference games.