NSU’s softball team opened the season on Feb. 8 with a 5-4, 2-0 doubleheader win against St. Thomas University. The win was witnessed by a record number of fans and Finatics. Eugene Canal, athletic communications coordinator said game attendance usually averages between 60 and 70 fans. However, this season’s opener saw 101.
Head Coach Lesa Boneé, said, “The energy in the park was fantastic, better than it’s ever been.”
The team has been on the road since that game. They participated in the West Florida Tournament in Pensacola, Fla. Feb. 11-13. There, they won a doubleheader against the University of North Alabama, 3-1 and 11-7. They also won the first game, 7-3, in a doubleheader against Delta State University, but lost the second game, 2-3. They lost their final doubleheader in the tournament, 6-8 and 5-9, against the University of West Florida.
Boneé said, “We play an aggressive style of game on offense and defense. They’re very disciplined in the box so far. I’m pleased with their decision making. We’re going after good pitches, we’re getting on base, [and] we’re advancing runners.”
However, Boneé said there is still room for improvement like hitting more when the bases are loaded. She said the team is young and will gain experience with each game. “[The team needs to] clean up a lot of little things,” she said.
Despite having seven new-comers this year, Boneé has high expectations about the team’s performance.
“My expectations every year [are] to win a conference championship, to make postseason, to win a South Regional Championship, [and] to make Nationals.” she said.
The team participated in the Eckerd Tournament Feb. 25-27. Those scores were not available at press time. The next two home games will be played on March 2, at 5 p.m. against Mercyhurst College and March 18, at 7 p.m., against Rollins College in the AD Griffin Sports Complex.
