The Chadron State College softball team closed the 2012 season, 7-1, against Metro State at home last Sunday.
Although they fell short of the RMAC tournament, a stacked schedule pitted the Eagles against the top nine teams in conference and the final victory left vindication for the team’s efforts throughout the season.
Head coach Rob Stack spoke highly of the players, but said they struggled all season with consistency. “We’ve always been notorious for being a slow starting team,” Stack said. “When you find yourself down, it’s really a mental struggle to get back up.”
Jessica Eatmon, freshman pitcher and outfielder of Broomfield, Colo., said she learned a lot from her team.
“You have to really trust your teammates,” she said, “When you’re pitching, you have to trust your defense to work for you. You can’t be an ace all the time. No one does that.”
Chadron State senior Brittany Chacon of Broomfield, Colo., slides safely into second base during Saturday’s game against Metro State. — Photo courtesy of CSC Sports Information/Daniel Binkard
With four of the team’s seasoned veterans departing, next year will see a younger, more rounded lineup. Senior Angela Jay, center fielder and catcher of Victoria, British Columbia, said it’s going to be tough for incoming players. “They’ll have to really pay attention, and the returners are going to have to step it up and get prepared for what’s ahead of them.”
Stack confirmed nine new players signed for the 2013 season and hopes to focus next season on mental toughness and individual skills.
