The Northwestern softball team is starting their season off strong by coming home with four wins at the NAIA Leadoff Classic. The NW softball team is a younger group of athletes which makes it more incredible that they came back undefeated against top teams in the Midwest.
Traveling to Illinois was a great team bonding trip with many unforgettable memories made and fun.
Ashtyn Billings said her favorite memory from the weekend was that the “game against Roosevelt University went into nine innings and we ended up finishing the game around 10:30 pm. I was so encouraged by the resilience and supportiveness that was demonstrated by the team till the very last out. I’m thankful to be a part of a team where each girl is playing for the girl next to them.”
As the team traveled to Sioux Center, Iowa for the Dordt Dome Tournament they continued to dominate the competition. After completing eight games, the softball team have 11 runs scored against Grand View, and 13 hits against Mount Mercy.
One of the many reasons the team can outperform their opponents is because they come onto the field performing up to their standards when it came to attitude, effort, hustle, toughness and defense.
They are looking strong coming into their 2023 season with returning and newcomers stepping up to the challenge. Some key players to look out for are Jennifer Boeve and Kameryn Etherington who have already been named athlete of the week. However, the team has more than stats going for them.
The softball team is a second family for players. The support they give to each other is remarkable. “Something I love about being a part of the softball team is getting to learn from my teammates,” Billings said. “In their actions and the way they play, I’m constantly being built up and challenged to play at a very high standard with the purpose of serving the team well,” said Billings.
As the softball team continues to have big games, team dinners, bus rides, time in the Juffer and witness classic Coach Miller moments, they will continue to make memories. After coming in second last year in the GPAC tournament, this team is coming into the season ready to see what they can do with a well-mixed group of experienced players and newcomers.
