With the varsity softball team off to a rocky start, the team felt some urgency against the Lowell Red Arrows. Its hitting ability has been sporadic throughout the season but the team was heating up prior to the Lowell game. Head coach Tracy Jenkins installed a positive approach heading into it.

“Although the season has not been the start we were looking for, I’ve seen some heavy improvements from the team thus far,” coach Jenkins said. “We’re getting closer to the level of play I expect to see from the team consistently.”

The first match of the two had a slower start. Lowell struck early after getting a run in the first inning; the Red Arrows would lead 1-0. Jamison Strutz would pitch this game and she did an impressive job battling against tough batters.

In the second inning, the Rangers made a handful of impressive field plays to get them out of the inning. Alyssa Wierenga had a few jumping catches at shortstop to halt the Lowell momentum. In the bottom of the second inning, Eliana Amenta had a bomb to deep center field that would’ve been a base hit, but she was thrown out at second base. Coach Jenkins gave her words of encouragement before the at-bat, so the positive approach was evident throughout the game.

Each team went back and forth by shutting down hitters at the plate. FHC’s defense stepped up, as it made a double-play to end the inning and Jamison Strutz struck out a few hitters to end the third. The Rangers gave up a few runs in the fifth to make it 3-0, then the Red Arrows closed out FHC by a score of 4-0. 

“We felt really close to beating them after the first game,” Maya Holser mentioned. “Our pitching improved since our first game and we are getting more confident at the plate.”

In the second game, Lowell once again got out to an early start but the Rangers were able to match it. Charlotte Stephan had a breakout game with a three-run double to steal the momentum from the Red Arrows. Maya Holser also had a big hit of her own, as she sent one out of the stadium to make it a solo home run.

Eliana Amenta continued to heat up at the plate, as she also had a double in the game. Senior Remmie Gavle caught each game and had a majestic performance. Any ball that was high or low was not out of reach for Gavle. She also motivated the team with her positive attitude and leadership.

Switching gears to pitching, the Lady Rangers continued their progression of pitching ability. Lacey Smith seemed unhittable in portions of this game and helped the Rangers seal their second victory. FHC would defeat Lowell 8-4 in the second game. 

After splitting the doubleheader with the Red Arrows, the varsity softball team improves to 2-8 on the season with a 1-3 conference record. The Lady Rangers travel to Lowell on Wednesday, April 27. The singular game will start at 4:15 PM at Lowell’s softball field.

“We’re preparing for another battle against Lowell on Wednesday,” coach Jenkins mentioned. “The team is heating up at the right time so we’ll look to build on the success we’ve had.”