After two games played in the freezing cold and multiple games postponed due to snow and other inclement weather, it doesn’t feel like softball season.
Its last game was over a week ago, but through all of Mother Nature’s torture, the Massachusetts softball team is still enjoying early season success and is sporting a 10-game winning streak.
UMass hosts Harvard in a doubleheader slated to begin at 3 p.m. at the UMass softball complex. The first game will be immediately followed by the second game, as UMass has swept its first three doubleheaders of the season.
Due to the recent conditions, the Minutewomen (19-10, 4-0 Atlantic 10) haven’t been able to practice outdoors and have been stuck in Boyden Gym to work on the basics. Fortunately, with a forecast showing a high of 52 degrees and only partly cloudy skies, this game doesn’t look likely to be postponed. But one thing you learn in New England is never trust the weather report.
“We haven’t been too happy about being stuck in the gym,” outfielder Denise Denis said. “We’re just working on small things now that we can work inside instead of outside,such as bunting.”
The Crimson (5-15, 0-0 Ivy) hasn’t enjoyed the same success as the Minutewomen, especially on the road, as they have a 2-7 record away from Cambridge. With the momentum of 10 straight wins and home field advantage, the Maroon and White is the heavy favorite in the doubleheader.
“We’re just ready to go outside and play,” Denis said. “The weather is not going to stop. Even though we have been stuck inside, we are still going out and playing as well as we did in our home opener.”
Last season’s Ivy League Player-of-the-Year, Tiffany Whitton, has had a stellar senior season so far in carrying Harvard. Whitton has posted an impressive .356 batting average with three home runs and 13 runs batted in.
Supporting Whitton has been sophomore catcher Laura Miller, who has enjoyed a breakout season. Miller’s consistent batting average of .341 has supplied Whitton with the chances to knock in runs with her power.
With the excitement of the first game in a week around the corner, there is another reason to celebrate for the UMass softball players. Coach Elaine Sortino was selected to receive one of the most prestigious awards at the University.
Yesterday, Sortino received a Honorary Alumna Award from the University of Massachusetts Amherst Alumni Association in the Great Hall of the Massachusetts State House. The seven-time A-10 coach of the year has served 23-plus years as head coach, while compiling a record of 785-340-3 (.697 winning percentage). She has established herself as one of the most well-respected and successful coaches in the NCAA, and her players are the first to sing her praises.
“She knows so much about softball and everything in general,” Denis said. “I have learned a lot from her and she puts her entire life into it. She thinks about softball all the time. She’s very dedicated to us and I enjoy playing for her.”
