The softball squad (19-6, 10-2) heads to Hamilton, N.Y., to face Colgate (15-19, 9-3) Thursday at 3:30 p.m. Previously slated as a doubleheader, the trip north is now just a sole game. According to reports, a pitcher from Colgate has sustained an injury, while another key member of the pitching staff left the team, diminishing reliable options and forcing a cancellation of the second scheduled matchup.
“Lately, we have not been able to get many complete games so we will most likely go with several pitchers and use this game as a tuneup for our upcoming series against Penn,” said head coach Dick Blood.
Over the past 10 games the Red has managed to put up five or more runs on seven occasions. Furthermore, four players are maintaining a batting average over .300. Additionally, three players in particular are flexing their muscles at the plate, teeing off for at least six or more home runs this year alone.
“Colgate’s number one pitcher, who will go Thursday, is very solid and throws very hard,” Blood said. “They also have a very outstanding infield crew which also presents a test for us.”
“They are a team that is comparable to the teams we play in the Ivy League,” said senior infielder Erin Keene. “[There will be] good competition, a chance to see some good pitching and to really get a feel for what we are going to see this weekend.”
Irrespective of Thursday’s outcome the Red will be in a prime position to have a shot at winning an Ivy League title.
“This week we have been focusing mentally on the weeks coming up,” Keene said. This is the most challenging part of our Ivy League season coming up and every game counts. We are just trying to stay in the zone mentally and keep focused on one game at a time and one team at a time and take it from there.”
Another factor that will play a major role in Cornell’s ability to move forward is its upcoming showdown with Penn.
“This weekend is a very huge weekend for us,” Keene said. “Penn is a really good team and they are our biggest contender right now in the South division, so it’s going to be huge … I think that every game that we can win helps the momentum continue and it’s important for us to win … Just to get used to it and to make winning a habit.”
Original Author: Lucas Pitman