Viking Softball strikes out in return to the diamond

By: Omsalama Ayoub

Business Manager

The Viking softball team returned, after being disbanded for a semester, with a 15-2 loss to the Herkimer Generals in a scrimmage on Sunday, Oct. 20.

The Viking’s were unable to compete last semester as they didn’t have enough players to be eligible. After being away, this scrimmage tested their limits. 

The Viking dugout clung on to the air of defeat with a score of 1-8 at the end of the third inning.

“We need to work on our at-bats, because we did not hit very well today,” said Devin Drew, the third basemen for the Vikings. 

At the seventh inning when the game died down, Ciel Lida, pitcher for Herkimer, received a ball to the thigh courtesy of a Viking batter.

The game saw a lack of matchup in skill, as the Vikings showed up unprepared with no practice the week prior to the game, while Herkimer has one of the best softball community college programs in the country.

The score gap was due to the Viking’s inability to bat, compounded with the poor pitching that gave Herkimer free walks to base.

Regardless of the rust that the Viking team had to kick off, good plays were made.

“There were two double plays,” Drew said. “[In one], the ball hit Emma on the shortstop who tagged second and threw it to first.”

The winning Herkimer team had a dugout filled with excitement. Their hype was a result of a positive philosophy that enables them to do their best at every game.

“My favorite part was in the dugout,” said Briana Hoskins, center outfielder for the Generals. “We had a lot of energy today and we just let our colors show and let our insides go out. We just had fun.” 

“We talk about energy [as in] something we control,” said PJ Anadio, head coach of softball for Herkimer Community College. “You do not want energy vampires in your dugout sucking out all the energy.” 

Anadio sets a precedence for his players, he builds them as people and students before softball players.

“We go out and get our butts kicked in the fall [playing four year schools],” said Anadio. “A little humble pie is always good for your work ethic [and] we’re starting to show signs of life [of] what softball is. Our goal is a national championship or bust.” 

Although the Generals had an outstanding performance on Sunday the players still saw areas of improvement for themselves.

The Generals recognized the change in timing as a result of pitch. Anadio highlighted the need to know the game well and recognize the playing influencing factors.

“[We got] complacent with our at-bats. After we were up at eight-one we sat back and we were like we are just going to swing for the fence,” said Hoskins. “It’s not what we’re doing, it’s how we’re doing it. It’s the little things, like, yeah, she made a diving play, but maybe she didn’t have to make a diving play.”

“Everyone is always talking about how successful they are, but the best part about softball is seeing my teammates become successful, doing better each game,” said Diana Budakowski, pitcher for the Generals.

However, there is still hope for the Viking team this upcoming spring.

“I think during the spring it’s going to be a different outlook. When we’re practicing and we’re on we have really good chemistry,” said Sidney Collins, centerfield for the Vikings.