Softball players receive NAC awards early into the 2015 season

Kayla Wood stands ready for a playoff game versus Husson University in the NAC playoffs last season.

Two Spartan softball players were recently awarded North Atlantic Conference Pitcher of the Week and Rookie of the Week honors.

Kayla Wood and Taylor Paquette received the awards respectively for their performance the week of March 8-14.

“I believe I was awarded “Rookie Of the Week” because I have shown that I can hold my own as a college pitcher and that I am capable of pitching in tough situations. Being “Rookie Of the Week” is a great honor and it gives me even more drive to be a better player,” Paquette said.

Wood said she was excited for herself and her teammate.

“Out of the three awards from the NAC (Player Of the Week, Rookie Of the Week and Pitcher Of the Week) myself and Taylor Paquette were named to two of these. I thought it was great because we hadn’t had a single outdoor practice until we arrived in Florida and were named those titles,” she said.

Softball coach Eric Ramey had many uplifting words to say about his two players.

“Kayla is a great competitor. She has great character, and wants to finish every game she starts,” he said. “Taylor has great promise. She is very talented, and fearless in the pitching circle. She was very poised for a freshman making her first collegiate appearances last week. As she continues to adjust to being a college athlete, we are looking forward to her being in our pitching rotation for four years” Ramey said.

The softball team went south to play in Florida and ended with a 4-3 record. The feat, as Wood mentioned, is especially gratifying because the team has yet to practice outdoors. In addition, they have not been able to hit because of the batting cage being broken.

“I think overall we are going to have a very strong team if we keep working hard, and our performance in Florida was just the start,” Wood said.

Paquette agrees.

“When we went down South, our defense was incredible and that is why a lot of teams struggle against us. Our experience in Florida showed what our strengths are and what areas we need to work on. We were able to finish with a winning record,” Paquette said.

This was the first time that anyone on the team has won a game when traveling down South. Paquette believes that the team has a bright future ahead of them and that they all are looking to win a championship. Ramey also feels the same way.

“Our team is excited for the season. We have great energy at practice, and we care about each other. We need to get better every day, and believe in the process. We are excited for the season,” Ramey said.

 

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