Havin' a Senior Day!!

As cliche as this sounds, the saying "all good things must come to an end" has been weighing heavy on my heart these last few days. I began playing softball when I was 5 years old, and I swear every memory I can recall of my career flashed before my eyes as we were warming up yesterday against Lindenwood on Senior Night. God answered my prayer to keep the rains away, but the cold temperatures and forceful wind made for an eventful evening at Williams Field. As expected, a lot was on the line for both teams. Coming in with the same number of losses as the current HAAC leader Central Methodist, either us or Lindenwood would be denied of repeating as regular season champions. I'll let you read the write up on www.mnusports.com for explicit details, but in sum--it can now be said that neither us, nor Lindenwood will finish #1 in the conference. A regular season championship does not define a team, though. Any athlete will tell you that. Our goal now is to sweep Missouri Valley on Monday and host the first round of playoffs next Friday and Saturday. As I said before, we are in great position to return to the NAIA National Championships in Alabama. A new season begins once post-season rolls around. Sadly, my fellow seniors and I can see the end of our careers drawing near. This blog is dedicated to them and what they have meant not just to MNU Softball, but to me as well...

Stephanie Jones #2 -- When I look at Steph, I am reminded of how far faith can take someone. I have come to know her on a deeper level in recent months, and have grown to appreciate her inner strength and perseverance, as this season has been one of constant struggle and setbacks for such a wonderful teammate and friend. I know that I will take all of the great advice she has given me to heart as I enter a world that will undoubtedly test me like this season has tested her. I met Steph as a new teammate, but I will say good-bye to her as an eternal friend.

Jennifer Costa #12 -- It would be hard to summarize in only a few sentences the impact Jen has had on my life in the short amount of time we have known one another, but here it goes. Never had I witnessed a more passionate love for the sport of softball before I met Jen. Since then, I have become even more dedicated to getting stronger in all aspects of the game. I've had a companion there to throw me extra batting practice, help me become a better defensive player, and continue to encourage me of how much progress I make every day. I have no doubt that Jen will continue to achieve greatness and success in whatever direction her life's path leads her.

Ashley Salter #15 -- This girl has given me more reasons to laugh and smile than anyone I have ever known. Her contagious free-spirited personality has helped me get through some of the hardest times I've ever had while at MNU. I know that no matter what is going on, Salty will always give me a reason to see the good--and even the funny--side of it. I hope that I can begin to look at life the way she does: with a carefree and fun-loving attitude. I will always admire her commitment and dedication to MNU Sports, and will be forever grateful for the support her family has provided not only us with every season, but also her since she first picked up a softball.

Emily True #24 -- I am extremely blessed for this person, not just as a "pick me up" on the field, but most importantly, for the everlasting friendship I will share with her once our final game has been played. In every moment I have been hurt or lost, True has been right there by my side. I will always remember the memories we've shared and the seemingly ridiculous things we love to laugh about on a daily basis. I cannot even describe how much she and her family have inspired me in the small amount of time I have known them. I will miss her so much when we say good-bye, but I know in my heart that our friendship does not end when our softball careers do.


"We all take different paths in life, but no matter where we go, we take a little of each other with us." -Unknown

How blessed I am to have people who make saying good-bye so hard.

Love Always,
Taylor #21

It's Not Over...

I just noticed where my last blog post came when we were still undefeated in the Heart of America Athletic Conference...two weeks ago. I guess I have a lot to catch everyone up on then :)

Despite coming from behind twice to defeat Central Methodist at our place, we were dealt a shocking defeat to Baker, who is by far the most underestimated team in the conference. Luckily after losing a heartbreaker in 10 innings by one run, our bats woke up and helped us prevail in Game 2 to earn a split. Non-conference wins against Bethany a few days later helped us gain momentum heading into an 8-game week to come. William Jewell didn't let their first game loss to us phase them, as they took us to a 9-inning, one run loss on our own field. The following day we travelled to Springfield, MO to play Evangel, whom we hadn't seen since ending their season and run at Nationals in dramatic fashion last year in the second round of playoffs. We easily came away with a win in Game 1, and seemed to have Game 2 won before they scored 5 unanswered runs to come from behind and hand us our third conference loss of the 2011 season. Things didn't get much better the next day as we went to Ottawa for a couple of games. Thankfully, after watching another lead diminish and result in a loss, we responded like no other with a 15-1 run-rule victory. Sporting pink jerseys in honor of cancer awareness on Saturday, we were finally able to get a sweep against another non-conference opponent in William Woods University.

Which leaves me to where Pioneer Softball is right now...27-8 overall, and 9-3 in the Heart. We are blessed that our chances of repeating as HAAC Champions are still very much alive. Like last year though, we need some other teams to help us out. We also need to go undefeated from this moment forward. My, how that sounds so familiar :) If anyone has ruled MNU out of the 2011 HAAC Championship race, I strongly encourage you to reconsider until the final out has been made at the end of the season. So much can still happen, and I know that my teammates and coaches have all the faith in the world that great things are still in store for the red, white, and blue...and pink to an extent ;)

This week is nothing but away conference games: Benedictine on Tuesday, Avila on Thursday, and Missouri Valley on Saturday. Hopefully our chances at finishing #1 will be significantly increased come Sunday morning, and that we will be well prepared for our final home game--Senior Night :'(--against another rival, and current HAAC leader Lindenwood next Tuesday the 19th.

Love Always,
Taylor #21