Photo: St. Bonaventure Athletics
BY GAVIN WATSON, CONTRIBUTING WRITER
The St. Bonaventure University softball team has had a slow start to the season, losing its first seven games. The Bonnies’ first win of the year came against Quinnipiac. Since that game, the Bonnies have lost six straight heading into the bulk of their Atlantic 10 competition.
The Bonnies started the season on the road in Madeira Beach, Florida. The Bonnies lost the eight of their first nine games.
The highlight of the team’s trip was its first win of the season behind a solid start from senior pitcher Emily Phelan and a strong relief appearance from freshman pitcher Kylie Bickert. Senior first baseman Elyse Graham and freshman utility Kymora Wang led the offense going a combined 5-7 with six of the team’s eight runs.
The Bonnies started A-10 play on the road at Saint Joseph’s, where they dropped a three-game series. The Bonnies were shutout in a 10-0 loss in the first game. In the second game of the double-header, the Bonnies gave up nine runs, losing the game 9-1.
In the last game of the series, the Bonnies held the Hawks to three runs in the first three innings. However, the Hawks pieced together seven runs in the final three innings to win 10-2.
All year the Bonnies have been hurt by a few bad innings a game and their pitching has struggled. Their team ERA is 11.80 and teams are batting a combined .433 against.
The Bonnies offensive charge has been led by graduate student Olivia Moon, a designated player, and Wang.
Wang has broken out in a big way for the Bonnies. She has started all but one game this year for the Bonnies. In her 40 at-bats, she has hit .375/.390/.525 with four extra-base hits and 10 RBIs.
Hard work has led to Wang’s success. Wang said “ The hard work I’ve put in during the offseason and knowing that my coaches and teammates believe in me,” Has been a big piece of her success.
“Being successful in the first half of the season has given me a since of confidence and the ability to play looser.” The utility player said. Wang hopes to repeat her first-half success in A-10 play.
After weather postponed four games for the Bonnies, they will have an eight-game home stand. They start the home stand against the 3-18 (1-2) Rhode Island Rams. The first game of the double-header will begin at 12:00 p.m. on Sunday March 24th, with the last game of the series being played on Monday March the 25th.
@watsongr23@bonaventure.edu
