As spring begins to roll around and winter comes to a close, the end of winter quarter meets with the start of softball season. Being a two-year college, Bellevue College welcomes the new season with new recruits. This 2013 softball season has nine ladies joining, all of whom have their skills to contribute.
New recruits include Hannah Sauget, who plays outfielder, previously from Kentlake High School, and Brielle Bray, who pitches as well as plays outfielder, previously from Issaquah High School. On their last matches, these recruits helped lead the way to Bulldogs victory. The ladies—both returning from last season as well as new recruits—have started the season 4-2 against various schools: wins against Northwest Christian, Southwest Oregon Community College, Green River Community College and Lower Columbia College, and losses against Clackamas Community College and Concordia.
Despite the losses, the ladies stay motivated through up and downs at the start of the season. “Our coaching staff and players understand that we may have some losses during the season, but our goal is to continue to improve each day and work hard so that we can compete for the NWAACC Championship at season’s end” said Leah Francis, head coach for the softball team. “The losses that we have had have been against very strong competition, and we work to find ways to improve not only on the losses but also on the wins—improve each day that we step on the field.” Motivation can be found through the close teamwork and ultimate goal that each player seeks towards because “athletically, our team goals have always been to win the North Region and compete for a NWAACC Championship title,” added Francis.
On and off the softball field, the players work well together. “This is a great group of players who are fun to be around and have a great understanding of what it means to represent the Bellevue softball team and College in general,” Coach Francis said.
As the season jumps right into intense matches, it’s important for the girls to remember that their academia is also important. Coach Francis emphasized that “academics are really important to the softball team. Our players understand that they are students first and athletes second. That strong academic showing is important, not only to meet eligibility standards, but for their futures.”
