March 10, 2016

Lady Pioneers Close out Spring Trip with Split

Head north with a 3-5 overall record

Box Score Box Score

Orlando, Florida –  The Delta College women's softball program wrapped up a successful spring campaign on Thursday, losing game one to Owens Community College in eight innings before defeating Kalamazoo Valley, 7-2.  With the split, Delta ups its record to 3-5 on the year.  Although the Pioneers head north with a losing record, head coach Randy Mullard was very pleased.

"Overall this was a successful spring trip," said Mullard.  "We got a chance to see some young players step up and we are well on our way to solidifying our lineup."

Delta lost a close one in game one against Owens after battling back to tie the game at two apiece in the bottom of the seventh to force extra innings.  The Pioneers cut the Express lead in half with a single run in the fifth before tying it up with the seventh inning heroics.  Unfortunately, Owens plated a run in the eighth and held the Delta offense in check to collect the 3-2 win. 

"This was the type of game that makes you a mature team - close, pressure packed and one of the gutsiest pitching performances that I have ever had the privilege of witnessing," said Mullard.   
 

The losing pitcher for DC was MacKenzie Eurich, throwing all eight inning while allowing two earned runs and striking out eight.  Offensively, Delta was led by Cassidy Reichard and Blake Garner who each went two-for-four.

"We grew up during this game," said Mullard.  "Even though it goes down as a loss, this experience will be credited for more wins in the near future."
 

The final game of the spring trip would see the Pioneers leave on a winning note as they defeated the Cougars of KVCC, 7-2.  Delta took an early 1-0 lead in the first and scored two more in the second to take an early 3-0 before KVCC could get on the board with a run of their own in the second. 

Delta responded with a big four run third inning to up their lead to 7-1 and win going away.  Cassidy Reichard led the offense once again, going three-for-four with an RBI.  Shelby Bailey (2-4) and Mickaylee Rood (3-4) had big days at the plate as well. 
 

Jensen Tchorzynski picked up the win on the mound to up her record to 3-1 on the year.  The sophomore from Hillman allowed just two hits while striking out eight. 

"A masterful pitching performance," said Mullard.  "This same KVCC team scored 11 runs off of us the last time we played them and Jensen simply shut them down."
 

"I also believe that KVCC was the victim of our teams emotion after losing that first game, dog fight just moments before they faced us.".

2016 was the first season that Delta has taken a spring trip and played against other competition since the 2012 season.  And while the Pioneers come home with a losing record, Coach Mullard is optimistic.

"I am absolutely thrilled and encouraged with what we accomplished in Florida.  In addition to maturing as a team, our time off of the field helped our entire team bond."

Delta opens its northern part of the schedule with a double-header against the Alma College JV squad on March 23rd.  Game time at Alma is 3pm.