The University of Indianapolis softball team is ranked No. 18 in the nation after an 8-3 start to the season, according to UIndy Athletics. This has come after offensive success in a series of road trips around the country in states such as Alabama and Kentucky.
Head Softball Coach Melissa Frost said there are a lot of strengths within this team this year and they have already shown a lot of improvement so far this season. One thing that stuck out to her is the way the offense has been playing.
“I think definitely the hitting portion of our team, the offensive power has come alive,” Frost said. “But I think we are translating what we do in practice into the game. I think that is huge.”
This season the team has been carrying a .321 batting average, according to UIndy Athletics. Currently they are the third seed in the GLVC according to glvcsports.com. The team has also shown their patience at the plate buy not swinging at bad pitching, resulting in 38 walks this season.
Frost said the early season road trips help the team get a good idea of where they are at and where they want to be. In the Montevallo, Ala. road trip the team won two games and lost one and then the team then went on to win four and go undefeated on their trip to Owensberg, Ky. She said traveling also gives them a chance to scout other teams.
“I think with the early tournaments you are seeing teams you are probably going to see at the end,” Frost said. “I think that is big because you get a measure and match up of where you rate and I certainly think it gives us the opportunity to take steps forward and see where we need to be and get up to par with some of the rest of the teams.”
Junior outfielder Hanna Burris said she is excited about the season. One strength she sees within the team is how well they all work together and how they are all seen as a team and not as a group of individuals.
“Our team meshes very well. You can’t tell who is new or who is a senior. There is no distinction. Everybody has done a great job of adjusting. We are also great at selflessness,” Burris said. “It is not easy when you want to play and someone is playing over you, but I feel like our team does a great job [of knowing] our goal is to win. We will do whatever it takes.”
The softball team has already traveled this season. They have been close as Westfield Indiana. According to Frost it has been hectic, but Burris said she loves traveling.
“That [trip to Alabama] was a long bus ride.” Burris said. “But it is nice, it gives us time to sit down and we can do our homework, catch up on sleep, and it just prepares us for what we need to get ready for the week.”
Burris said she can see the team going all the way to a championship this season. She said that the talent is unbelievable this season.
“We have even more talent than last year and I didn’t even know that was possible,” Burris said. “We have a lot of potential. I am excited to see where we go.”
Frost said that as long as the team continues to work hard and continues to get better through learning and making adjustments, they can have a great season. Burris said they are always having a good time in the dugout. She encourages everyone to come out and support the team.
