By Eustace Q. Browne
Staff Writer
The St. Bonaventure softball team has struggled out of the gate this season, posting a 2-13 record.
Despite his team struggles, Head Coach Michael Threehouse shared a sense of optimism about the team’s slow start.
“I was telling the ladies, the year we made the conference championship in 2005, we started out the gate with a 1-14 record, this year we’re 2-13 so we’re on pace,” Threehouse said.
Threehouse maintains despite the team’s poor record, they have shown consistent effort and have played well at certain times but have a problem closing games.
Threehouse also pointed out for the team to have success moving forward, his pitchers needed to get on track.
“When we get outside on the field for the first time, things aren’t going to go great all the time, but we’ve stuck together so far,” Threehouse said.
The Bonnies returned from the USF Under Armour Invitational in Clearwater, Fla. with a 1-5 record.
The Bonnies fell to Oakland on Feb. 28 and then Campbell and South Florida in a double header on Mar. 1.
The Bonnies picked up a 3-1 win against Toledo behind seven strong innings from freshman Kristen Hickling, who allowed only one earned run.
“Hickling threw pretty well, and we’re happy to see that. Moving forward, she’ll probably get a lot of innings,” Threehouse said.
“We’re also looking forward to seeing what she can do as she matures as a pitcher.”
When asked who stood out to him at the invitational he pointed out junior outfielder Kelli Rohan, who stole seven bases and has raised her on-base percentage.
Another standout of the invitational for Threehouse was sophomore first baseman Katie Sinclair, who’s now found herself hitting in the 3-4 slot.
Sophomore second baseman Emily Belfield noted the team was beginning to put it all together and has begun making strides to their ultimate goal of winning games consistently.
“As a team, we’re starting to find our individual roles, and when we put that all together, it will make us very successful,” Belfield said.
On the horizon, the Bonnies will be headed to Hampton, Va. to take place in the Lady Pirates Classic at Hampton University from March 7-9.
Their first opponent will be Drexel and coach Threehouse has slotted Kristen Hickling as his starter for three of the four games of the tournament.
“As a coach, I’m concerned about every team we play, but my biggest concern is how we play,” Threehouse said.
browneeq11@bonaventure.edu
