Softball continues domination

The Bethel College women’s softball team is off to another commanding start to the season. After going 10-1-1 during their spring break road trip, the Pilots have given up just one loss in 16 games. They have pitched eight shutouts and have crushed the ball, scoring double digit runs nine times. Recently, the team has begun the conference season and has continued their tradition of domination within MCC play. So far the Pilots have swept Grace College, Goshen College, and Saint Francis University which amounts to an MCC record of 6-0. One of the key elements to the Pilot’s success has been their depth at every position. They have also performed very well out in the field as well as at the plate. Junior Katie Boocher has been a key contributor as well as a leader for the Lady Pilots. In her 80 plate appearances this year, she has achieved a batting average of .486 and accrued 28 RBI’s. Boocher also leads the Pilots with eight home runs this season. Senior Sarah Rassi has also performed well at the plate. She is currently batting .415 and is leading the team in RBI’s with a total of 31. Their fielding has been excellent as well. They have only had 20 errors this season and have turned eight double-plays. In addition to their fielding, the Pilots have pitched very well this season as well. They currently have three pitchers who sport an ERA of less than three consisting of Katie Boocher, Kelli Zache, and Rachel Zirille. Senior transfer Kelli Zache has been a wonderful addition to the team as she has pitched 68.2 innings and has a perfect 13-0 record Overall, it has been another story of complete dominance by the Lady Pilots. They have scored a stunning 220 runs this season while only surrendering 62. Their combined batting average is .378 this season while their opponents’ is .229. They have also hit 29 home runs this season while only allowing five. These numbers have clearly revealed that the Pilots have achieved much success this season through consistency and execution. They have pitched smart and have managed to frustrate nearly every opposing pitcher they have faced. Bethel hopes to continue this winning tradition as they continue to play through the conference regular season. They have 10 regular season conference games remaining this season and hope to achieve another top seed in the conference tournament. Because of all the success on the diamond this season the Pilots continue to climb higher in the NAIA rankings. They are currently ranked fourth in the nation, and have proven themselves to be a major NAIA powerhouse not only in the Midwest but in the nation. The number four ranking is the highest ranking the Pilots have ever achieved in school history. They have shown that they have the potential to have a very special season this year.