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