Oh, How I Love Being a Pioneer

It has truly been a great year to be a Pioneer! While the weather hasn't exactly been good to us this season, we were blessed with clear skies the last few days so that we could at least get a couple of conference games in before the snow--yes, I said snow--came down this weekend. Our trip to Georgia was a learning experience, to say the least, and we came into our first conference double header against Culver-Stockton out to prove that there was no mistake in selecting MNU as preseason #1 in the HAAC. I was afraid that we would struggle adjusting to the pitching Culver had to offer, considering we had just faced some of the best pitchers we will see all year down in Georgia. Luckily we had a big inning in Game 1, and scored in each of the first four innings in Game 2 to come away with our first two conference wins of the season. Six of our eight pitchers took the mound in the two games, and all of them did an amazing job at keeping the Culver hitters off-guard. I think we are all beginning to see how effective having such a deep pitching staff will be as our season progresses.

Rain washed away our chance of travelling to Winfield to play a non-conference series at Southwestern, but luckily sunny skies dried up our home field just in time for another HAAC double header against Graceland. Finally being able to play on Williams Field was beyond exciting, even if it was a little on the chilly side. Our bats struggled in the first game, even though we won by a score of 4-0. Thanks to a couple of walks and timely hits, we came away with a pretty ugly win if you ask me. We left no doubt in Game 2, though: scoring 7 runs early, then finally putting up the decisive 8th run in time for the 5-inning run rule victory. I was happy to see so many people at the games, and I hope they enjoyed themselves enough to come to some more home games--like on Wednesday when we host Central Methodist (who is also undefeated in the HAAC right now).

With four HAAC wins so far this season, I must say that I am even more anxious to see what this season truly has in store for us. We know that regardless of how good a team may be playing, on any given day, especially in our conference, they can lose the game that could have sealed their fate. My hope is that we will continue to work hard and live up to AND exceed the expectations that have been set for us. Next week will be a big test as we play two teams (CMU and Baker) who have started strong in the HAAC so far. We would love to see everyone who can make it in the stands as we work to take one step further toward a repeat HAAC title.

I want to take this time to thank Lynsey and Keeley's dads, who worked so diligently on our dugouts and field this last week. The time and effort they put in is extremely appreciated.

I also want to extend my deepest gratitude to all of my teammates and coaches who have helped me get through the sudden loss of my grandmother, who passed away just a few hours before we took the field against Graceland on Wednesday. Words cannot describe how blessed I am for each and everyone of them, and I will never forget all of the encouraging and uplifting words and prayers they have devoted to both me and my family in this time of trouble. I always knew I was lucky to be a member of MNU Softball, but this week has left no doubt that it truly is a blessing to represent Pioneer Nation.

Love Always,
Taylor #21