The Road Behind
May 5, 2022 | by Taylor Pill
WATERTOWN, Wis. -- Last Friday marked the end of the season for Maranatha Softball, as a tight-knit group concluded a campaign that they finished without a win, but it didn't come without growth - both as individuals and a team.
After starting the season with four losses at North Central University, the Sabercats put together their best offensive display of the campaign at Blackburn College, fighting the beavers to a 17-18 loss in extra innings. It was a day for hitting, as Dani Chaney, Laura Brown, and Liberty Bailey all recorded inside-the-park home runs. Chaney (4-5, 5 RBIs) and Brown (3-4, 3 RBIs) led the way at the plate that day as the Sabercats looked to build on what would otherwise have been a game-winning display of 17 runs.
But that was the most productive day at the plate for the Sabercats for the season, as they initiated a competitive slate of NACC opponents and strong NAIA opponents to close the season. One highlight was the Sabercats' defensive performance against Cardinal Stritch University to close the season, as Maranatha held the CCAC powerhouse to just four runs.
"This team bonded together from our first practice in early February to the final games in April," said head coach Rob Thompson. "In practice and games, it didn’t matter who was on the field or in the lineup. They supported and encouraged each other when things were going well and when they were not. It would have been great to get some wins to be sure, but that wasn’t our primary goal for the season. Our goal was to honor our Lord, regardless of the outcome of the games. Over and over again through the season, opposing coaches and players, as well as officials commented on the genuineness, attitude, and conduct of our team . . . and for that, I am grateful!
“This 2022 Sabercats team was a pleasure to coach. We will miss them over the summer but look forward to fall ball 2023 in September. We say goodbye to Krysten Lawver, Abbie Boelke, and assistant Coach Megan Cleghorn, and anticipate the opportunity to again represent MBU and more importantly, our Lord, on the softball diamond in 2023!”
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AWARDS
Coach Thompson recognized the following student-athletes during Athletic Awards Assembly last Thursday, the night before the season ended:
Most Valuable Teammate - Malia Bullock & Dani Chaney
Defensive MVP - Eryn Bates
Coaches' Award - Bethany Searle & Krysten Lawver
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OUTLOOK
Krysten Lawver, Abby Boelke, and Assistant Coach Megan Cleghorn wrapped up their last season with the program.
For more on the team, CLICK HERE