The Chaparrals Division III Women’s Softball team experienced bittersweet victory last Friday in their double header versus South Suburban College. They lost the first game but won the second, the scores of which were 10-9 and 4-8, respectively. In the first game, both teams remained neck and neck until the final inning where the Chaps ultimately came up short, unable to answer South Suburban. It was clear that the loss had lit a fire underneath them, as they proceeded to score four runs in the first three innings of the second game, accompanying a home run by freshman infielder Rachel Martin. They went on to further dominate the game, gaining four additional runs and allowing only two strikeouts, beating South Suburban by double.This makes their record for the season thus far an impressive 33-16, just over a 2:1 win ratio.

“We just come out here and give it our all,” said Ryan Connell, the women’s softball head coach. “We spend oodles of time practicing the fundamentals. Pair that with double-headers several times a week and a positive mental attitude, and you’re bound to get good. And if history has anything to do with it, we’re only bound to get better.”

And it’s a fair assessment. Their specific statistics are just as impressive as their track record. The team is currently placed first in their division for hits at a whopping 536, over the course of only 49 games. They also maintain first place in doubles, which amounts to 117, and stolen bases at 17.  Their percentage figures are also notable. With an overall batting average of .390, an on-base percentage of .443, and a slugging percentage of .564, the dynamics involved with their success becomes clear.

“The girl’s are what make it happen though, obviously. “ Connell continued. “They’re truly passionate and support each other fully. I swear you can hear the chants from half a mile away, and they’re chanting rhymes for one another the whole time.  Anytime we have anyone at bat, you’ll hear them. This is what they love to do, and they don’t mind using that energy as a positive affirmation to make one another stronger. We lost the first one, but it was real close. It made us mad, so we dominated in the second one. We’re always striving.”

Erin Sporer, a freshman pitcher on the team had these comments to make: “It really is a cumulative effort. Every one of us is just as important as the other. We come out and do this because we love it. There aren’t any scholarships, which sucks. The upside to that is that the team is formed completely out of passion for the game. This team really does feel like a giant group of sisters and I’m truly grateful for that. The bond we share is bigger than just the game: we love each other. It was an amazing season and I can’t wait for next year.” The team’s season will conclude on April 30 with their double header at Kankakee community college.