Compared to recent years, the girls softball team has put together a rather average season. As of Sept. 27, the Lady Lancers were just 13-10. But they have played better than their record would indicate, with four of those losses coming against teams with better records.
And they have shined in some big moments so far. Most impressively, the team notched a fourth place finish at the Capital City Invitational in Jefferson City that included wins over Fulton and a dangerous Jefferson City team.
“We changed from being okay to being a great team. It definitely brought us together, “senior Kate Weinzirl said.
Before falling to Marquette on Sept. 28, the Lancers had rode a four game win streak to second place in the Suburban West standings. After getting the first three victories over sub-.500 teams, they faced tougher competition on Sept. 27 and got a 2-0 win over Parkway South. This season, the Patriots are 17-5 and are expected to compete for State.
“It was a huge win and it picked up our momentum. It proved to everyone that we still have a chance to win State,” Weinzirl said.
Senior Dana Lawson has been a big reason why the Lancers are still on track for a postseason run. She leads the team in nearly every offensive category and is currently hitting for a .409 average. Her 28 runs scored ranks first in the Suburban West. Also contributing is junior Lindsey Button, who is batting .333 and leads the team with 18 RBIs. On the mound, freshman Jessica Andrews been the ace so far and is near the top of the Suburban West in several pitching categories.
“It’s really been a team effort, honestly. My outfield and infield had my back (against Parkway South). If they hadn’t made some amazing plays it wouldn’t have been a shutout, I guarantee it,” Andrews said.
Of the team’s final three games, the Sept. 30 contest against Lindbergh will be the most important. The Flyers are currently 12-8 and just a game behind Lafayette in the Conference standings. That matchup is a home game for the Lancers, with the first pitch scheduled for 4:15 p.m.
