As of Sunday, April 11, the Tiger softball team has a record of 10-9. Last weekend, they came away with three wins against Austin College before losing to Schreiner University on Wednesday and taking two of three from Centenary College this weekeend.

Due to COVID-19 and the snowstorm, the team has faced several cancellations and postponements. Despite this turbulent schedule, the team continues to push past adversity and enjoy the season they are given. Abigail Martin, head softball coach, explains that COVID-19 has definitely been the hardest factor to manage, especially in terms of team bonding.

“The only time they spend together is in a practice or game setting. We are all looking forward to the day where we can spend more quality time together off the field. I will say, however, we have handled the adversity of it all pretty well. We understand we had to make some sacrifices in order to continue having the opportunity to play the game,” Martin said.

Despite this constraint on interaction, senior pitcher Allie Holbrook maintains that COVID-19 has been difficult but that the team always has “a great time bonding on the field.”

First year, Jordyn Williams, who recently won the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) Hitter of the Week award, explains that she has been grateful for everything the team is able to do.

“My expectations were definitely exceeded as we have managed to have a full season with 40 games, daily practices as well as weight lifting sessions. Our season so far has been a bit unpredictable but a great experience. I feel despite the COVID regulations and shutdowns our team has still found a way to come together and produce on the field. It’s a season like no other but it’s one I’ll always remember,” Williams said.

Going into last weekend, the team was coming off tough losses to Texas Lutheran University, who was ranked No. 4 in the nation. Williams reflected on what shifts happened with the team to secure the three wins against Austin College.

“There were definitely some kinks we had to work through but we have been working hard to ensure a better position for the upcoming SCAC tournament. We have been working hard on and off the field, such as improving our pitch selection, defensive plays, fixing our approaches at the plate and a lot of other essential mental components of the game. As a team, we came together and knew that what we were producing prior is not the team we are, nor want to be, which drove our intensity, while working as a unit,” Williams said.

Despite the changes, the Tigers got swept in their doubleheader against Schreiner on Wednesday. Holbrook and Williams indicate that the team was struggling to hit despite having higher energy and a stronger mentality going into the game.

According to Martin, while there have been struggles this year, she is confident in her team and their goal of making it to the SCAC Tournament in May.

“Our goal is to get to the SCAC Tournament as a top three seed and playing the most confident ball at that time. We have 13 or 14 games left and plenty of time to get everyone at their best. I’m most excited for competing for a conference championship,” Martin said.

Softball faces Our Lady of the Lake University on Tuesday for a doubleheader, playing two games back-to-back at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Spectators are not allowed to watch Trinity sports events, but fans can go to Tiger Network to support the team.