Softball | 4/21/2013 12:00:00 AM
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Box Score 4 SPEARFISH, S.D. – After not having been able to play a home game due to poor weather conditions since beating Colorado Christian University, 6-3, back on March 27, the Yellow Jackets took the diamond to play their final four home games of the season this past weekend versus Fort Lewis College on Saturday and Sunday, April 20-21, 2013.
The weekend's games for seniors Alex Huntington, Nikki Chacon, and Allie Alverson were the last in front of their home fans as they played the Skyhawks who came into the weekend with a 11-17 RMAC record and 13-20 record overall.
Although the Yellow Jackets were not short in the effort department, as they did not stop playing hard until the final out in each game all weekend, the Skyhawks' offense and consistent pitching led the way as they took Saturday's games 13-2 and 14-4.
Sunday's games were closer contests as the Yellow Jackets held tough in each but ultimately dropped game one, 8-2, and game two, 10-5.
The Yellow Jackets did score 13 runs on 27 hits over the weekend, which put them at an average of 3.25 per-game, which was higher than their 2.1 average in conference play coming into the weekend. However, after not seeing live action since a trip to Northern Colorado on April 8th, the effects of an altered practice schedule understandably effected the team's preparation.
"I felt as though we were playing our best softball of the season right before the snow storms hit," head coach, Amy Gurney said. "I think that the two weeks of being off an actual softball field really hurt our defense. We seemed a step behind on most plays both days, although Sunday seemed a little better."
Yellow Jacket sophomore, Becky Green, seemed to be the most productive spource of offense for BHSU as she batted .500 over the weekend (6-for-12) with three RBIs and three runs scored. Green was 2-for-2 and two RBIs in game one, which included a home run and a double.
Freshman, Erica Everson, went 4-for-10 batting on the weekend, good for a .400 average while knocking in one run and scoring one. She also drew two walks.
The three seniors – Huntington, Chacon, Alverson – did not disappoint in their final home games as it was evident of how hard they were playing for themselves and for their team, as noted by coach Gurney.
"I was very happy with the seniors in their last home weekend. You could tell they were playing like it was their last games, the three of them were focused and fought for every out and every hit," Gurney said.
The three senior's career accomplishments, as heard during their senior ceremony on Sunday include:
Alex Huntington – Alex has played four years here at BHSU splitting her time from the mound to the outfield. As a Jacket, Alex has started 126 games, had 90 hits, and has struck out 90 batters. Her leadership, perseverance and love for the game are immeasurable. Alex will continue with her advanced degree in Physical Therapy at St. Augustine College in Florida next year.
Nikki Chacon – As a pitcher, Nikki finished with a career 80 strikeouts. Through her four years at BHSU, she not only worked on refining her own skill but has also been a member of the Student-Athlete Advisor Committee. She has been a vital part of starting this group at BHSU and pushing it to be active on-campus, within the community, region and nation. Nikki will finish her degree next year and will student teach in a math classroom next spring.
Allie Alverson – Allie played two years at Western Nebraska Community College before transferring to BHSU. As a Jacket, she has started 86 games in CF, with 63 hits, 11 doubles, six triples and five homeruns in her career. Allie has not only been a leader with her stats, she has also made her mark in her strong work ethic. She is always in the front of the line when it comes to conditioning, she has high expectations of herself, which has not only helped her on the field but will show in her life after softball. Allie will finish her degree in Graphic Design next year at BHSU.
Next up for the Yellow Jacket softball team will be a trip south to Colorado to play a four-game season ending series versus Metro State (14-27, 7-22 RMAC) on Saturday and Sunday, April 27-28, 2013. Saturday's start times are set for 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m., while Sunday's will be at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. MT.
