Aliza Guerrero
Softball
Photo Contributed by Aliza Guerrero
The moment we have all been waiting for has finally arrived, our Spring Training trip! As a senior on the Keene State Softball team, I was prepared for a fun-filled, relaxed, but also aggressive week of softball. For freshman, they don’t know what they are walking into, the adrenaline rush and the determination to win by returners is a new feeling for them, one they have never experienced before.
When I think about all the hard work our 2017 team has put into pre-Spring Training, it’s impressive. As a team we have dealt with injury, mental confidence, and physical confidence, which is everything a normal team goes through. For us, Florida is about putting all of our indoor time to practice. If you really think about it, we practice to practice for the real deal. Our season officially begins April 1st, less than 2 weeks away.
Photo Contributed by Aliza Guerrero
At the beginning of Florida, we all felt excited, and determined to make this the best Spring Training trip ever. I’ll be honest, the first day wasn’t what I expected to happen. We certainly had highlights as a team and individually during our first set of games. From scoring first, to having great plays, and being smart on the bases, we did all the right things! After the first day, our goal was to come out hungry and aggressive and intimidating to our opponents, because intimidation gets us to our goal, winning.
The second day and the third day went very well. We finished both days with a split. Our off day came around and we spent the time by the pool, relaxing, and enjoying each other’s company. Our last three days of the trip was where we, as a team, needed to kick into high gear. It was important to us, and to our coaches, that we utilize the last six games to our advantage, to find who we are.
Photo Contributed by Aliza Guerrero
After our first game on Wednesday we pulled it together with a split on the day, making our record 3-5, two wins away from an even record. Thursday rolled around, our latest game start of the week, a 6:30PM and an 8:30PM game day. Fortunately, we all got the rest and sleep we needed, because we came out on top in both games, ending the day with a 5-5 record. Our last day rolled around, and we ended the day with a split, concluding our Florida trip with an overall record of 6-6.
As a senior, I am not disappointed in the way the trip ended. I wouldn’t say I’m disappointed at all! We have so much talent this year that provides us with ability to do what we need to do on the field. Our job as a team this year is to find a balance of who we all are as individuals and come on top together, in the the way we did our second to last day in Florida with that sweep.
Our team goal is to win LECs, like any team goal, but a team goal goes deeper than winning that trophy or title. A team goal is based on reliability, connecting, trust, audacity, and every component that makes a team a team. I believe that we are capable of anything that Keene State Softball puts their mind too, and it’s up to us to make that possible.
