Weather changes softball team’s plans, location early in season

The snow is certainly putting a damper on the Rowan softball team’s plans so far this season.
The Profs were set to travel to Virginia Beach to compete in the Virginia Wesleyan Beach Blast Tournament this past weekend.  The tournament was canceled due to poor field conditions, leaving the team’s players and coaches frustrated. Head coach Kim Wilson’s reaction was one of disappointment.

“We were ready to be outside and Virginia Beach provides us with better weather,” Wilson said. “It provides us with an opportunity to play before we go to Florida.”

The weather has been a problem so far this season for the Profs.  With the multiple feet of snow covering the ground this winter, the Profs were forced to practice inside for most of January and February.  It was only in the past few weeks that they were finally able to practice outside on the football field.

“The last few practices that we had outside are going to make a big difference because it got us a good feel for being outside,” said second-basemen Jenna DiDonato.

Practicing inside definitely helps out the team and is better than not getting any practice all.  However, there are a few differences between playing outside and inside.

“The one difference coming from an outfielder is not being able to get fly falls,” said senior outfielder Heidi Smith.  “But we are able to focus on our footwork.  As for infield, the ball comes at the players a bit differently than the ball would outside.”

Rowan was able to scramble and arrange to play in the Salisbury University Early March Tournament in place of the Virginia tournament.  This allows them to play in a live, outdoor game before playing in Florida next weekend.

“We have been able to get out on the turf a couple times to actually be outside,” Wilson said.

The Profs were very anxious to get the season started and the initial news about Virginia was unpleasant.

“I was very disappointed considering it would have been my last year there to play with such a great team,” Smith said.  “But then I received a text from coach [Wilson] stating that we were going to Salisbury to play, which made my day better.  I’ve been looking forward to playing since the beginning of softball season.”

Rowan softball came home from Maryland with a 2-2 record splitting games on both Saturday and Sunday. The team lost twice to host Salisbury and were outscored 19-8. The Profs beat Albright 13-2 and Frostburg State 4-1.

Next, the Profs travel to Florida to compete in the Rebel Spring Games on March 13.  Their first game is against Trine University.