Since I am a biology major, I thought I would share some of the exciting work that I have been doing in my Animal Behavior class. Almost every biology course has a lab that goes along with it that lasts from 1-3:50 one day a week. Since I am in an Animal Behavior lab, most of the labs we completed consisted of observing animals and their behavior to find what might be influencing their behavior.
Instead of giving us a final exam, my professor chose to give us a final project. She had a choose an animal (that could easily be maintained in the lab) and we had to research that animal and devise an experiment that future labs could perform. Originally I chose to work with butterflies, but after receiving them from a distributor in Florida, they didn't live very long. After talking with my professor, she suggested that I would with wolf spiders. These spiders are known for females cannibalizing males after mating and another student in my class was observing this behavior. My professor thought it would be interesting to have me observe it from the males point of view. Other studies conducted suggest that males can sense when a female is hungry and is less likely to mate with her in order to save his own life.
I am not a huge fan of spiders (or a fan at all, to be honest) so I wasn't sure how this was going to go. Yesterday was the first day that I worked with them and it went pretty well. I don't actually have to touch the spiders and they are rather small, so that definitely helps. There was a clear difference in the males behavior when he was exposed to a hungry female and a female that had been fed. On Tuesday I will be completing some more trials and then presenting this lab to my classmates on Wednesday.
I think this was a great idea to really become engaged in the class and it is nice that there is one less final that I will have to study for! Even though I plan on going into healthcare, this was an interesting class to learn more about the behavior of animals.
-Danielle
Friday, April 27, 2012
I.S. Symposium
Today is a very exciting day at the College.. I.S. Symposium! Each year on a Friday in April, all of the classes on campus are cancelled so that students and faculty can engage in the I.S. topics that seniors have spent their whole year working on.
Most seniors create posters about their topic and are designated an area and a time slot to present their posters and answer any questions that spectators might have. As underclassmen, this is a great opportunity to be involved in I.S. It gives students the opportunity to see what topics other people have worked on and a chance to generate ideas for their own I.S.
For the most part, I.S. Symposium is pretty relaxed and gives students the opportunity to not only look at posters and listen to talks, but to catch up on work of their own! Some professors will require students to complete a quick write-up on one of the posters so that they know students are engaging themselves.
Today after observing some of these topics, I will be working on homework and try to get ahead on my assignments for next week! This weekend is going to be very busy and with the last week of classes next week, finals aren't too far away. On Monday I have a biology quiz and my last Spanish exam. Then on Tuesday I have a presentation in Spanish and I have some lab work that needs finished. Wednesday I will be presenting about my lab topic (I will elaborate more later) during my lab period in the afternoon. After this, my week will be more relaxed and I will begin to focus on studying for my exams. What a busy week it will be!
-Danielle
OWU
On Wednesday we hosted Ohio Wesleyan for our Strike Out Cancer games. Going in with a goal of a sweep, we had high expectations for the game. The first game was a nail biter and everyone was excited in the dugout (and nervous!). The game went into eight innings and offensively there were a lot of contributors at the plate to seal the win.
After winning the first game, we knew we had to come out with the same intensity in the second game in order to be successful. This time we were able to win the game in 7 innings with a 3-0 score. These were really big wins and it was great to have a team effort.
As of now, we are ranked second in the conference and on our way to reach one of our goals of the season: making it to the NCAC tournament. Our last conference games are tomorrow against Oberlin and it is essential that we play our game. Coach always tells us "Control what you can control. We have to play our game. The only thing that changes everyday is the opponent we are facing." Saturday is also our last home game, so it will be Senior Day. I can't believe the end of the season is almost here already and the seniors will be graduating.. After the games the parents will be putting their resources together and hosting a cook-out/dinner for all of us.
It's a great day to be a Scot!
-Danielle
After winning the first game, we knew we had to come out with the same intensity in the second game in order to be successful. This time we were able to win the game in 7 innings with a 3-0 score. These were really big wins and it was great to have a team effort.
As of now, we are ranked second in the conference and on our way to reach one of our goals of the season: making it to the NCAC tournament. Our last conference games are tomorrow against Oberlin and it is essential that we play our game. Coach always tells us "Control what you can control. We have to play our game. The only thing that changes everyday is the opponent we are facing." Saturday is also our last home game, so it will be Senior Day. I can't believe the end of the season is almost here already and the seniors will be graduating.. After the games the parents will be putting their resources together and hosting a cook-out/dinner for all of us.
It's a great day to be a Scot!
-Danielle
Monday, April 23, 2012
Academic Update
Since season is in full swing as well as academics, I haven't been blogging as frequently. It can be tough to maintain both academics and stay on top of your softball game, but we all make it work. I am actually more productive during season since my time is limited. I do not particularly like studying on the bus and I definitely cannot read on the bus, so I always try to get ahead academically so when we have away games I do not fall behind or have to stay up late.
The beginning of our season was filled with away games, but now that we have reached the home game stretch, it has been a lot easier to complete work before and after games. We gain time because we are not traveling on the bus. It is also nice because we have the ability to eat in Lowry as a team after the games (and we usually can't get there soon enough!).
Last week was pretty busy for me since I had my final biology exam and a written homework assignment for my religion class. We also had games on Tuesday and Thursday, which are usually my work days since I have class all morning on Monday, Wednesday, Friday. I had a few early mornings, but I was able to get all of my work done in a timely fashion before the games. This always helps to relieve stress!
This week isn't quite as busy. We have a game on Wednesday and Saturday, so softball won't interfere with my academics and I don't have a lot of assignments due. Next week, however, I have two presentations due (biology and Spanish) so I should start working on those now. Only two more weeks left of the semester before finals! The end of the semester always comes so fast, especially with softball season. But I am always anticipating summer and, hopefully, warm weather!!
-Danielle
The beginning of our season was filled with away games, but now that we have reached the home game stretch, it has been a lot easier to complete work before and after games. We gain time because we are not traveling on the bus. It is also nice because we have the ability to eat in Lowry as a team after the games (and we usually can't get there soon enough!).
Last week was pretty busy for me since I had my final biology exam and a written homework assignment for my religion class. We also had games on Tuesday and Thursday, which are usually my work days since I have class all morning on Monday, Wednesday, Friday. I had a few early mornings, but I was able to get all of my work done in a timely fashion before the games. This always helps to relieve stress!
This week isn't quite as busy. We have a game on Wednesday and Saturday, so softball won't interfere with my academics and I don't have a lot of assignments due. Next week, however, I have two presentations due (biology and Spanish) so I should start working on those now. Only two more weeks left of the semester before finals! The end of the semester always comes so fast, especially with softball season. But I am always anticipating summer and, hopefully, warm weather!!
-Danielle
OWU--Strike Out Cancer
Some quick promotional work--
On Wednesday we will continue our conference play against Ohio Wesleyan. This is not only a big game because of the conference play, but this is also out Strike Out Cancer game. Each each we choose a special cause that is cancer related that we want to help raise money for. Last year we helped to support a local little boy, Mason, that had been diagnosed.
This year we are supporting Lung Cancer Research. One of the girls on our team has had experience with this in her family and we thought it would be a great focus for this years game! Before we went to Florida the team was split into a few different groups. These groups were then given a list of businesses around the Wooster area and we went out to see if these businesses would like to donate or help us raise money. Many of them made contributions that we can raffle off at the game, while others made flat donations. Each year every member of the team also receives ten envelopes that we address to our family members to tell them more about the game and ask if they would like to donate as well.
This year we have had a lot of success with fundraising for this great cause and we are really looking forward to playing! If you can make it, we would love to see you at the game!
-Danielle
On Wednesday we will continue our conference play against Ohio Wesleyan. This is not only a big game because of the conference play, but this is also out Strike Out Cancer game. Each each we choose a special cause that is cancer related that we want to help raise money for. Last year we helped to support a local little boy, Mason, that had been diagnosed.
This year we are supporting Lung Cancer Research. One of the girls on our team has had experience with this in her family and we thought it would be a great focus for this years game! Before we went to Florida the team was split into a few different groups. These groups were then given a list of businesses around the Wooster area and we went out to see if these businesses would like to donate or help us raise money. Many of them made contributions that we can raffle off at the game, while others made flat donations. Each year every member of the team also receives ten envelopes that we address to our family members to tell them more about the game and ask if they would like to donate as well.
This year we have had a lot of success with fundraising for this great cause and we are really looking forward to playing! If you can make it, we would love to see you at the game!
-Danielle
Telescope
Even though the softball field is on the Northern edge of campus, many students still venture up to the field. Sometimes when we are practicing, the Ultimate Frisbee team will be practicing at the bottom of the hill or some students will be having a picnic or tossing a ball around.
Since our field is not closed off, people have the opportunity to venture onto it and sometimes leave some belongings behind. One day when we went to practice we saw a white thing on the roof of the shed where we keep all of the field maintenance equipment. At the end of practice we went to check it out and realized it was a telescope! After it remained there for about a week, Marissa decided that she wanted to actually use it. So I thought it would be a good idea to take a picture and share it with you.
Since our field is not closed off, people have the opportunity to venture onto it and sometimes leave some belongings behind. One day when we went to practice we saw a white thing on the roof of the shed where we keep all of the field maintenance equipment. At the end of practice we went to check it out and realized it was a telescope! After it remained there for about a week, Marissa decided that she wanted to actually use it. So I thought it would be a good idea to take a picture and share it with you.
Here is Marissa showing off the telescope after practice! It will be interesting to see if it actually works and if she can see anything cool!
-Danielle
Wednesday 4/18
On Wednesday 4/18 we had a slightly shorter and altered practice since we are in the middle of our season. Since we were playing games pretty close together that week, the practices were not very intense because we didn't want to wear ourselves out before the games.
We went through a drill that incorporated hitting, fielding, and a teamwork aspect. After this coach told us we were going to do something special and made us all sit in the bleachers. She passed around a cup that had pipe cleaners in it. We all had to pick a pipe cleaner. She then passed the cup back around and each of us had to pick a piece of paper out of the bottom. On the piece of paper was one of our teammate's names. We had a few minutes and each one of us had to think of one word that described that person and what they mean to the team. This proved to be challenging because we could all think of so many descriptions, but couldn't narrow it down to one word. After a few minutes we all went around and said the word that described our person. The rest of the team would then try to guess which member of the team it described. As we continued to name the importance of our teammates, each person would connect their pipe cleaners in a circle to the previous one. When the last person went, they used their pipe cleaner to connect the two ends and make full circle.
We went through a drill that incorporated hitting, fielding, and a teamwork aspect. After this coach told us we were going to do something special and made us all sit in the bleachers. She passed around a cup that had pipe cleaners in it. We all had to pick a pipe cleaner. She then passed the cup back around and each of us had to pick a piece of paper out of the bottom. On the piece of paper was one of our teammate's names. We had a few minutes and each one of us had to think of one word that described that person and what they mean to the team. This proved to be challenging because we could all think of so many descriptions, but couldn't narrow it down to one word. After a few minutes we all went around and said the word that described our person. The rest of the team would then try to guess which member of the team it described. As we continued to name the importance of our teammates, each person would connect their pipe cleaners in a circle to the previous one. When the last person went, they used their pipe cleaner to connect the two ends and make full circle.
This is a picture of Marissa, one of our seniors, wearing the pipe cleaner necklace. It was a really great activity to show the importance of everyone on the team, no matter what their role.
After we were done with this activity, a Dominos delivery man brought us pizza and pop to the field! Since the college had recently completed the Relay for Life, we were running a promotion with Dominos where the proceeds gained from anyone ordering a pizza at the college would go to the cancer foundation. This was a great way to support a campus organization and enjoy a team dinner at the field.
Baldwin-Wallace
After playing two very cold games at Kenyon, we were schedule to play Baldwin Wallace on Monday (4/23). Coach checked the forecast on the bus ride back from Kenyon and cancelled the game when it was only supposed to be 34 degrees. While we definitely wanted to get these games in, it was nice that coach gave us the day off so that we could not only rest, but we could catch up on our work! Our next game is on Wednesday against OWU!
-Danielle
-Danielle
Kenyon Day 2
Traveling back to Kenyon on Sunday gave every one a sense of deja vu. This time it was still very cold, but luckily it wasn't raining.
The first game went into 9 innings, with both teams scoring throughout all nine. In the end we were able to pull out the win with a 7-5 score.
Luckily the second game didn't go into 9 innings and we were able to win 7-6. We went into the seventh inning with a 4-3 score. We knew that we didn't want to go into the bottom of the 7th inning and just be up by one run, so our offense worked to put together 3 more runs. This gave us a comfortable 7-3 lead going into the bottom of the 7th. Kenyon was ready for the challenge and was able to score 3 more runs to make the score 7-6 before the end of the game.
We finally got the sweep we were looking for. On the season our record is now 21-11. This is Wooster's winningest season so far! The record was 20 wins, which three teams before ours was able to reach. This is an exciting time to be a Scot and we hope to continue breaking records this year!
-Danielle
The first game went into 9 innings, with both teams scoring throughout all nine. In the end we were able to pull out the win with a 7-5 score.
Luckily the second game didn't go into 9 innings and we were able to win 7-6. We went into the seventh inning with a 4-3 score. We knew that we didn't want to go into the bottom of the 7th inning and just be up by one run, so our offense worked to put together 3 more runs. This gave us a comfortable 7-3 lead going into the bottom of the 7th. Kenyon was ready for the challenge and was able to score 3 more runs to make the score 7-6 before the end of the game.
We finally got the sweep we were looking for. On the season our record is now 21-11. This is Wooster's winningest season so far! The record was 20 wins, which three teams before ours was able to reach. This is an exciting time to be a Scot and we hope to continue breaking records this year!
-Danielle
Kenyon Day 1
Where to begin with Kenyon.. On Saturday the bus left at 9:30 fo the hour long drive to Kenyon. This trip is on hilly roads and tends to make some feel a little bus sick. So coach made sure that we left early enough that we would have time to stop at their athletic complex and use the bathroom and collect ourselves before game time. When we arrived at Kenyon, it was raining. Not only was it raining, but it was also windy and pretty cold. After unloading all of the equipment off of the bus, we set up our hitting stations and completed the warm-up. It was sprinkling through all of this, but as we finished the hitting stations, the wind really picked up. Our team sat in the dugout to wait it out a little while and the Kenyon team tarped the field since it wouldn't be able to handle all of the water. After about ten minutes coach told us that we could wait on the bus until they began to detarp the field (the games were also going to be pushed back a little while).
At 1:00, which was the anticipated detarping time, the game was called since the forecast called for rain until 4:00 p.m. This meant that we had to gather all of our equipment and load it back onto the bus and we would have to travel to Kenyon again on Sunday to make up the games. The nice thing about this trip was the Jenn's Aunt and Uncle actually live very close to the field and they decided to make lunch for us. So after the game was called we traveled to their house and ate a DELICIOUS lunch. It was nice to spend time together in a warm house. We didn't get back to campus until around 4:00 p.m. Since we were playing the next day, it was important that we work on some of our homework since we wouldn't have all day on Sunday.
Saturday night some of the girls on the team decided to go out to dinner and see the movie "Think Like A Man." I was not able to go, but from what I heard they had a great time and the movie was really funny.
-Danielle
At 1:00, which was the anticipated detarping time, the game was called since the forecast called for rain until 4:00 p.m. This meant that we had to gather all of our equipment and load it back onto the bus and we would have to travel to Kenyon again on Sunday to make up the games. The nice thing about this trip was the Jenn's Aunt and Uncle actually live very close to the field and they decided to make lunch for us. So after the game was called we traveled to their house and ate a DELICIOUS lunch. It was nice to spend time together in a warm house. We didn't get back to campus until around 4:00 p.m. Since we were playing the next day, it was important that we work on some of our homework since we wouldn't have all day on Sunday.
Saturday night some of the girls on the team decided to go out to dinner and see the movie "Think Like A Man." I was not able to go, but from what I heard they had a great time and the movie was really funny.
-Danielle
Otterbein
Our games on Thursday (4/19) were home against Otterbein. Otterbein definitely had a lot of speed in the base paths and would prove to be good competition.
The first game we were able to win 3-1. Through the combination of hits and smart base running we were able to score these runs, while holding Otterbein to just one run.
After a W in game one, we were working for the sweep. In the fourth we were able to score a run on a Cardinal error and the score was 1-0. Later in the sixth, the Cardinals were able to get one base and score 3 runs. After this we were not able to score again and dropped the game 3-1. After this loss, we were focused on traveling to Kenyon to continue conference play!
-Danielle
The first game we were able to win 3-1. Through the combination of hits and smart base running we were able to score these runs, while holding Otterbein to just one run.
After a W in game one, we were working for the sweep. In the fourth we were able to score a run on a Cardinal error and the score was 1-0. Later in the sixth, the Cardinals were able to get one base and score 3 runs. After this we were not able to score again and dropped the game 3-1. After this loss, we were focused on traveling to Kenyon to continue conference play!
-Danielle
Denison
Next we hosted Denison. In order to reach one of our goals of making into the NCAC tournament, it is very important that we continue winning. Going into these games, it is important not only to compete, but to win.
The two games against Denison were very competitive and were a good showing for our team. The first game was very close, but we dropped it 7-6. In the beginning of the game, a Denison player hit a homerun with 2 other girls on base to make the score 3-0. Gina, our pitcher, later hit a homerun with two of our runners on base to tie the game at 3-3. Later in the game, another Denison player hit a 2 run homerun to make the score 6-3. After working to get on base and stringing some hits together, our team worked back to score 3 runs. The score was 6-6 until Denison was able to score on an error in the 6th inning. While last year the games against Denison proved to be challenging, we were definitely up for it this year! And after the loss we were ready to come back and take the second game.
Feeding off of the energy from the first game, we were able to win the second game 3-0. Lauren was able to smash a homerun in this game and we lead through the whole game before sealing the win in the 7th inning. On the season we have been .500 while playing in Ohio. We host Otterbein on Thursday and hope to prepare ourselves Kenyon on Saturday. Our goal is to get the sweeps for the rest of our conference play so that we can compete in the NCAC tournament!
-Danielle
The two games against Denison were very competitive and were a good showing for our team. The first game was very close, but we dropped it 7-6. In the beginning of the game, a Denison player hit a homerun with 2 other girls on base to make the score 3-0. Gina, our pitcher, later hit a homerun with two of our runners on base to tie the game at 3-3. Later in the game, another Denison player hit a 2 run homerun to make the score 6-3. After working to get on base and stringing some hits together, our team worked back to score 3 runs. The score was 6-6 until Denison was able to score on an error in the 6th inning. While last year the games against Denison proved to be challenging, we were definitely up for it this year! And after the loss we were ready to come back and take the second game.
Feeding off of the energy from the first game, we were able to win the second game 3-0. Lauren was able to smash a homerun in this game and we lead through the whole game before sealing the win in the 7th inning. On the season we have been .500 while playing in Ohio. We host Otterbein on Thursday and hope to prepare ourselves Kenyon on Saturday. Our goal is to get the sweeps for the rest of our conference play so that we can compete in the NCAC tournament!
-Danielle
DePauw
We hosted DePauw on April 14th. It was really important that we got this game in because DePauw was leaving on Friday night for the grueling 6 hour trip. The forecast was calling for rain on Saturday and we wouldn't be able to make the games up on Sunday because DePauw was scheduled to play Denison.
Coach texted us later Friday night and said the games would be moved up to 10 a.m. so that we could definitely get them in since the rain was supposed to come in the afternoon. In the morning everyone met for team breakfast and then headed over to the field. We also wanted to make sure we warmed up earlier enough because DePauw wanted to use our batting cages before we started.
We made it through the first game without any rain and won 3-1. This was an especially exciting game because DePauw had a great outlook for this season and was even ranked 14th. Carly, a freshman on the team, hit a homerun in order to give us the lead before finishing the game. Everyone was pumped after this game.
The second game didn't come so easily. The game was scoreless and then the rain really picked up. Since we were in the field, this proved to be difficult not only for the pitcher, but for fielding and even throwing the ball. The Tigers were able to score two runs off of errors and the score was then 3-0. When we finally got three outs and were up to bat, the umpires decided to call the game until it stopped raining. We quickly had to change out of our cleats and into tennis shoes or rain boots and pull the tarp onto the field. Right after we finished tarping, we hadn't even put the tarp down it, the rain subsided. This meant that we had to remove the tarp we just pulled onto the field. So, within 10 minutes the field was tarped and detarped. The game continued and DePauw won 6-0. This game proved to be difficult to play in the rain. And if I had to choose, softball would be the last sport that I would play in the rain. It is amazing how a little bit of water can really change your grip on the ball.
-Danielle
Coach texted us later Friday night and said the games would be moved up to 10 a.m. so that we could definitely get them in since the rain was supposed to come in the afternoon. In the morning everyone met for team breakfast and then headed over to the field. We also wanted to make sure we warmed up earlier enough because DePauw wanted to use our batting cages before we started.
We made it through the first game without any rain and won 3-1. This was an especially exciting game because DePauw had a great outlook for this season and was even ranked 14th. Carly, a freshman on the team, hit a homerun in order to give us the lead before finishing the game. Everyone was pumped after this game.
The second game didn't come so easily. The game was scoreless and then the rain really picked up. Since we were in the field, this proved to be difficult not only for the pitcher, but for fielding and even throwing the ball. The Tigers were able to score two runs off of errors and the score was then 3-0. When we finally got three outs and were up to bat, the umpires decided to call the game until it stopped raining. We quickly had to change out of our cleats and into tennis shoes or rain boots and pull the tarp onto the field. Right after we finished tarping, we hadn't even put the tarp down it, the rain subsided. This meant that we had to remove the tarp we just pulled onto the field. So, within 10 minutes the field was tarped and detarped. The game continued and DePauw won 6-0. This game proved to be difficult to play in the rain. And if I had to choose, softball would be the last sport that I would play in the rain. It is amazing how a little bit of water can really change your grip on the ball.
-Danielle
Wittenberg
This year we traveled to Wittenberg for the big rival game! We rode on the bus that didn't have a bathroom, so luckily the bus driver stopped at a rest area before we arrived. It was a chilly day so we made sure we layered up and did a little extra running to warm up.
The first game Witt won 3-0. We were a little slow coming around with the bats and didn't string any hits together to score. We knew that we really shouldn't have lost this game so everyone was fired up for the second game.
We won the second game 6-3. The team really came together and added some hits in order to score early in the first inning. This always helps to keep the play more relaxed when we are on the field, and the pitchers don't mind that at all.
Even though we split on the day, it was great to end with a win against Wooster's big rivals! We stopped for Subway on the way home and even saw the mom of one of Wooster's volleyball players! What a small world. These games were also good preparation for DePauw, who we hosted Saturday!
-Danielle
The first game Witt won 3-0. We were a little slow coming around with the bats and didn't string any hits together to score. We knew that we really shouldn't have lost this game so everyone was fired up for the second game.
We won the second game 6-3. The team really came together and added some hits in order to score early in the first inning. This always helps to keep the play more relaxed when we are on the field, and the pitchers don't mind that at all.
Even though we split on the day, it was great to end with a win against Wooster's big rivals! We stopped for Subway on the way home and even saw the mom of one of Wooster's volleyball players! What a small world. These games were also good preparation for DePauw, who we hosted Saturday!
-Danielle
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Hiram
Continuing on the away game streak, we traveled to Hiram for more conference play. After the tough losses to Allegheny the team was definitely ready to get some W's. We knew this would be a tough game and that it was important to arrive ready to play.
The first game was one of the most exciting! We went into the 9th inning with a 3-3 score and were trying to make something happen. After Demi started the inning off with a triple, Hiram loaded the bases by walking the next two consecutive batters. This is where our hitting took off and capitalized on a few errors. We were able to score 7 runs before going into the bottom of the 9th. Hiram came back strong with a few hits and recorded 3 runs before the inning ended. The 10-6 win felt great!
After an exciting first game it was important to come ready to play again in the second. It was obvious that both teams were going to hit the ball and that we would have to play a great defensive game as well. We went into the seventh inning with a 2-0 score and allowed the Terriers to score one run. The game ended with a 2-1 score. It was great to get the sweep!
Since it was Easter weekend, coach gave us Saturday off and many of us were able to go home to spend some time with our families. Personally, it was great to see my family and have a day off to recuperate. For those who didn't go home for the weekend, I know they still had a great weekend!
-Danielle
The first game was one of the most exciting! We went into the 9th inning with a 3-3 score and were trying to make something happen. After Demi started the inning off with a triple, Hiram loaded the bases by walking the next two consecutive batters. This is where our hitting took off and capitalized on a few errors. We were able to score 7 runs before going into the bottom of the 9th. Hiram came back strong with a few hits and recorded 3 runs before the inning ended. The 10-6 win felt great!
After an exciting first game it was important to come ready to play again in the second. It was obvious that both teams were going to hit the ball and that we would have to play a great defensive game as well. We went into the seventh inning with a 2-0 score and allowed the Terriers to score one run. The game ended with a 2-1 score. It was great to get the sweep!
Since it was Easter weekend, coach gave us Saturday off and many of us were able to go home to spend some time with our families. Personally, it was great to see my family and have a day off to recuperate. For those who didn't go home for the weekend, I know they still had a great weekend!
-Danielle
Allegheny
The Marietta games were great to help prepare our team for conference play. Our first conference game was at Allegheny, which is quite the drive from Wooster (almost three hours!). This means that there is ample time to work on some homework during the bus ride and since it was a Tuesday, many of us did just that.
As far as the semester goes, it was really hard to get back into the swing of doing homework everyday (especially after only playing softball and hanging out in Florida for almost two weeks!). Usually after the first week back it is pretty easy to settle back into a routine.
After finally arriving at Allegheny, conference play began. The first game was rough in the beginning. While we had runners on base and opportunities, getting the runners in proved to be a little more challenging. One of the the players on the other team hit two homeruns to give them a 5-0 lead going into the 7th. Things finally came together in this inning and we rallied to score 3 runs. The inning ended and the 5-3 loss was disappointing.
After the first game and finally getting the bats moving, we were ready to play again. The second game was much closer and went into 9 innings. Unfortunately, after walking the player that previously hit three homeruns, she scored on an error and ended the game with a 2-1 score. This was definitely disappointing and a hard way to lose, but it was important to get back to work the next day in practice and prepare for Hiram on Friday.
-Danielle
As far as the semester goes, it was really hard to get back into the swing of doing homework everyday (especially after only playing softball and hanging out in Florida for almost two weeks!). Usually after the first week back it is pretty easy to settle back into a routine.
After finally arriving at Allegheny, conference play began. The first game was rough in the beginning. While we had runners on base and opportunities, getting the runners in proved to be a little more challenging. One of the the players on the other team hit two homeruns to give them a 5-0 lead going into the 7th. Things finally came together in this inning and we rallied to score 3 runs. The inning ended and the 5-3 loss was disappointing.
After the first game and finally getting the bats moving, we were ready to play again. The second game was much closer and went into 9 innings. Unfortunately, after walking the player that previously hit three homeruns, she scored on an error and ended the game with a 2-1 score. This was definitely disappointing and a hard way to lose, but it was important to get back to work the next day in practice and prepare for Hiram on Friday.
-Danielle
Ohio Games
So we made it back to Ohio and we are now full swing into the season! It was nice to spend a few days on campus for the remainder of spring break, but getting back into the swing of classes was a bit rough.
The beginning of our schedule in Ohio mostly consists of away games. The first games back were at Marietta College. Everyone was excited to start playing again, but it can be tough to manage classes and games. Almost all of our games throughout the week are at 3:00 and 5:00. So for away games that consist of a substantial drive, this could mean missing a few classes.
Marietta isn't too far away, so the bus left at 11:30. I had to miss half of my American Religious Communities class for the day. While the professors know that we are all students first and try to uphold this in class, they are usually very understanding if you request to leave class early. As long as you notify them in advance they are willing to work with your schedule and, if necessary, make alternate arrangements for exams and other assignments.
I was sick and not able to play when we traveled to Marietta, but I still watched the games from the stands. It is amazing how much the perspective changes from not only playing to cheering in the dugout, but as a spectator outside the field! The first game didn't go as well as we would have liked it to. The other team had some big hits (and home runs) that drove in runs and the game ended in 5 innings with a 12-5 score.
After this loss the team really came together to play in the second game and it was really exciting to watch! There was a combined effort at the plate and defensively we were able to hold Marietta in order to get the win with a 4-3 score!
Even though we lost the first game, it is always nice to end with a win! After games we always stop to get something to eat, usually Subway or Wendys.. it depends on what is around. So we loaded up the bus, stopped at Subway to get dinner, and made our way back to campus!
-Danielle
The beginning of our schedule in Ohio mostly consists of away games. The first games back were at Marietta College. Everyone was excited to start playing again, but it can be tough to manage classes and games. Almost all of our games throughout the week are at 3:00 and 5:00. So for away games that consist of a substantial drive, this could mean missing a few classes.
Marietta isn't too far away, so the bus left at 11:30. I had to miss half of my American Religious Communities class for the day. While the professors know that we are all students first and try to uphold this in class, they are usually very understanding if you request to leave class early. As long as you notify them in advance they are willing to work with your schedule and, if necessary, make alternate arrangements for exams and other assignments.
I was sick and not able to play when we traveled to Marietta, but I still watched the games from the stands. It is amazing how much the perspective changes from not only playing to cheering in the dugout, but as a spectator outside the field! The first game didn't go as well as we would have liked it to. The other team had some big hits (and home runs) that drove in runs and the game ended in 5 innings with a 12-5 score.
After this loss the team really came together to play in the second game and it was really exciting to watch! There was a combined effort at the plate and defensively we were able to hold Marietta in order to get the win with a 4-3 score!
Even though we lost the first game, it is always nice to end with a win! After games we always stop to get something to eat, usually Subway or Wendys.. it depends on what is around. So we loaded up the bus, stopped at Subway to get dinner, and made our way back to campus!
-Danielle
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