Softball began its season with five losses in five games at the 37th Annual Louisiana Classics. The Leopards played against Stephen F. Austin University and the University of Louisiana in doubleheaders last Friday and Saturday, with a final game against Stephen F. Austin last Sunday.
The Leopards crossed the plate only once during the entire tournament. Lafayette also struggled mightily on defense. A game on Friday, Saturday and Sunday ended early due to the mercy rule.
Sophomore infielder Harlie Bickett — who held the team’s highest batting average at .270 last season — had four hits in 13 at-bats for a .308 average on the weekend.
“I did well at the plate. I definitely could have done better defensively. I’m just working on being more of a teammate,” Bickett said.
The Leopards’ game plan was to go out and “to be as confident as possible, to dominate and to do our best,” according to Bickett. “We didn’t execute with that. Our confidence dwindled a little bit, but at times it really showcased well,” she said.
The Leopards lost their first game against Louisiana, who is ranked 20th in the nation, 12-0 in five innings with no hits. They lost the second game 6-0 with one hit. Bickett noted that playing against an elite team could be really helpful.
“I think the advantage of [playing Louisiana] was definitely knowing what we can work up to and what it takes to be that kind of team,” Bickett said.
Playing five games in three days, especially against the nationally-ranked competition, was a challenge. Bickett said that having a short-term memory is crucial to mental recovery after multiple losses on the same weekend. “You have multiple chances to come back in the next game,” she said.
This is the Leopards’ first season under Head Coach Karavin Dew, who arrived on College Hill after being an assistant coach at Tennessee State.
“She’s pushing us really hard. And I think that’ll end up being great for us in the long run,” Bickett said. “She [has] definitely implemented more of the mental side of the game with us, which is very helpful.”
Dew seems to be focused on getting the offense off the ground right now. Bickett said the mental side of the game is just as important.
“The team chemistry has been a lot better than it was last year,” Bickett said. “This weekend, we really came together after the games.”
The Leopards will take the mound at the University of Maryland, Baltimore Country Round Robin on Feb. 26, where they will play UMBC and Youngstown State.
