The season for the Lawrence University Softball team came to a close with a loss in a Midwest Conference doubleheader game against Illinois College on May 1. The Lady Vikes lost the opening game 8-0, but came around and won the nightcap 6-3. The season ended with a record of 18-14-1 overall and 11-8 in the Midwest Conference.
“I think that our last game against Illinois College was a great way to end our season,” freshman Madeline MacLean commented. “The first game was rough to say the least, but we came out in the second game and played to our potential. We played as a team, and everyone contributed to the win. Those are the kinds of games that make me love the sport I play.”
While the season has ended for the Lady Vikes, the intensity has not decreased in the slightest. In the offseason, the team will continue to work harder to become stronger and better for the next season.
“I am already looking for those wins.” MacLean stated. “We will have a very young team, but that just means we need to work hard and become one of those teams that others schools are afraid to play in years to come. I’m looking forward to being a part of a strong, passionate team.”
As MacLean mentioned, the team will be graduating six seniors, leaving behind a young team that has the potential to grow but will be a challenge for the girls. Next season the Lady Vikes will have to follow in the footsteps of the graduating seniors in order to prepare for a good season.
“The seniors are leaving us with big shoes to fill,” MacLean added. “I couldn’t have asked for a better group of girls to start my collegiate career with. Losing six phenomenal players is tough, but all of us are up to the challenge. My future teammates and I are coming in with a mentality ready for hard work. We all recognize that we will have to step up our game to fill the spots of the seniors, and we are all more than ready to do so.”
With the ability to learn from this season, the Lady Vikes will be able to expand their horizons more next season in order to achieve their goal of being a feared team despite the youth of the team. This season was filled with ups and downs for the Lady Vikes, but despite the vast amount of complications with losses, the team was able to snatch up several wins against opponents like Ripon College, Knox College, Grinnell College and St. Norbert College. Despite losses, the season was still great and filled with many memories for all those involved.
