Blugold Fans,
Our spring trip didn't end exactly the way we wanted - we lost both games on our final day - but we were challenged, and we definitely needed that. Unfortunately, we did not respond to the challenges the way I hoped we would. We lost to an always scrappy, feisty, Central team 4-6, and then lost a slugfest to Denison 10-11. I wouldn't have thought we would lose a game when we scored 10 runs, but our defense really let us down in that game.
After having a couple days to reflect on our final day and our trip overall, I'm encouraged by the things we did and what I saw in our team. To panic at this point (after 2 losses on the final day)would be senseless - I think we have a good team - we just have to put things together and continue improving.
I think our team grew together over the course of our week. I witnessed a lot of laughter, jokes, games being played - very intensely and competitively, I might add - and just good times that our team had together. Those types of things are just as important as the games at this time of year.
I'm afraid the weather forecast doesn't look favorable this week in Eau Claire. Even though the temperatures don't look bad, the rainy forecast isn't encouraging. Nonetheless, we'll go outside if at all possible and practice on the turf at Carson Park. We have some specific things we need to work on this week before we head to St. Louis for games at Washington University on Saturday and Sunday. We'll work on those things this week, rain or shine, and get ourselves ready to play. Hopefully the weather will cooperate and we'll be able to get our 4 games in down there.
I'll continue to keep the blog updated and remind Kidnie and Kristi that they need to update their blog on the NCAA website too - I'm sure they'll have some much more entertaining news for all the Blugold Fastpitch followers.
As always, remember to run 60 feet and turn left........
Coach Huntington
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Tucson Games - Day 5
Greetings again, faithful Blugold Fastpitch blog followers!
It was another good day for the Blugolds. We gave up 10 runs in 2 games today, but we also scored 25 of our own, so I guess I can't complain too much. I'd like to see us give up fewer runs - if we face an opponent with dominant pitching, we could be in trouble. Today we defeated Pomona-Pitzer College 13-5 and Denison University 12-5. We are a little beat up now that the end of the week is drawing near, so it's probably good that our last day is tomorrow. However once again we've been able to play a lot of people, so that is helping with the aches and pains. It is what it is - no excuses.
Tomorrow morning bright and early we play a scrappy Central team for the second time this week. We will need to come out prepared to play, as Central always takes full advantage of an opponent's miscues. We follow the Central game with another game against today's game 2 opponent, Denison University. Immediately following that game we'll head back to the hotel to shower, pack up, eat, and hit the road to fly home from Phoenix.
Tonight I'll feature 3 Blugold players who had notable performances today. First is freshman Jess Freagon from Chippewa Falls McDonnel High School. Jess played shortstop for us today and hit the ball very hard all day. But the most memorable incident from the day was the pop up that her shoestrings interfered with. As she was retreating deep into the 5/6 hole to catch a pop up, one of her shoelaces got caught on a cleat on her opposite shoe and she took a digger. Amazingly, she ALMOST caught the ball anyway. Maybe velcro-closure shoes will help her. :)
The second Blugold tonight is another freshman, Nikki Bromelkamp, who hails from Zumbrota-Mazeppa High School (MN). Nikki caught game 1 vs. Pomona, and played right field in game 2 vs. Denison and was 5-7 for the day from the plate. No funny stories about "Bromel" tonight, but will keep you posted if anything should happen....
Our final featured Blugold tonight is senior, Bri Sturm, also from Zumbrota-Mazeppa HS. Bri pitched vs. Denison today, and although she gave up 5 runs, she pitched very well, which is something we really wanted to see from her. Bri has the ability to be extremely effective for us, and it was good to see her pitches working well, hitting her spots, and getting batters to pop up quite a bit.
It's an early morning tomorrow, with 6:00 breakfast, 6:30 departure, and games at 8 and 10. We'll get ourselves mentally on track by reminding each other that it's really 2 hours later at home, so it's not that big a deal. Not sure if I'll have a chance to post tomorrow, but our SID, Kevin Meinholz, does a great job of getting our scores posted quickly, so we'll be sure to phone the scores in after we play.
Hoping to finish the week strong!
Coach Huntington
It was another good day for the Blugolds. We gave up 10 runs in 2 games today, but we also scored 25 of our own, so I guess I can't complain too much. I'd like to see us give up fewer runs - if we face an opponent with dominant pitching, we could be in trouble. Today we defeated Pomona-Pitzer College 13-5 and Denison University 12-5. We are a little beat up now that the end of the week is drawing near, so it's probably good that our last day is tomorrow. However once again we've been able to play a lot of people, so that is helping with the aches and pains. It is what it is - no excuses.
Tomorrow morning bright and early we play a scrappy Central team for the second time this week. We will need to come out prepared to play, as Central always takes full advantage of an opponent's miscues. We follow the Central game with another game against today's game 2 opponent, Denison University. Immediately following that game we'll head back to the hotel to shower, pack up, eat, and hit the road to fly home from Phoenix.
Tonight I'll feature 3 Blugold players who had notable performances today. First is freshman Jess Freagon from Chippewa Falls McDonnel High School. Jess played shortstop for us today and hit the ball very hard all day. But the most memorable incident from the day was the pop up that her shoestrings interfered with. As she was retreating deep into the 5/6 hole to catch a pop up, one of her shoelaces got caught on a cleat on her opposite shoe and she took a digger. Amazingly, she ALMOST caught the ball anyway. Maybe velcro-closure shoes will help her. :)
The second Blugold tonight is another freshman, Nikki Bromelkamp, who hails from Zumbrota-Mazeppa High School (MN). Nikki caught game 1 vs. Pomona, and played right field in game 2 vs. Denison and was 5-7 for the day from the plate. No funny stories about "Bromel" tonight, but will keep you posted if anything should happen....
Our final featured Blugold tonight is senior, Bri Sturm, also from Zumbrota-Mazeppa HS. Bri pitched vs. Denison today, and although she gave up 5 runs, she pitched very well, which is something we really wanted to see from her. Bri has the ability to be extremely effective for us, and it was good to see her pitches working well, hitting her spots, and getting batters to pop up quite a bit.
It's an early morning tomorrow, with 6:00 breakfast, 6:30 departure, and games at 8 and 10. We'll get ourselves mentally on track by reminding each other that it's really 2 hours later at home, so it's not that big a deal. Not sure if I'll have a chance to post tomorrow, but our SID, Kevin Meinholz, does a great job of getting our scores posted quickly, so we'll be sure to phone the scores in after we play.
Hoping to finish the week strong!
Coach Huntington
Tucson Games - Day 4
Hello Blugold Fans!
We are about to head to the field for Day 5, so I thought I should write a quick update on Day 4.
Yesterday's opponents were Schreiner University from Texas and Augsburg College from Minnesota. We were able to come through the day with two victories - 8-2 and 11-2, respectively.
From yesterday's games I'd like to feature freshman pitcher, Ashley Meinen, from Chippewa Falls McDonnel High School. Ashley pitched 4 innings of shut-out ball against Augsburg, to earn her 2nd collegiate victory. (She had earned her first win vs. Lakeland on Monday) Ashley is doing a good job of hitting her spots and making her pitches work. I remind her to execute her pitches, and as long as she focuses on that, she does well. She also smiles a lot in the circle, which is fun to see. When I see that smile I know she's relaxed and having fun. Ashley has learned from practice that she can't afford to make mistakes as a pitcher - at this level, mistakes get hit hard - she is adjusting well to the college game.
Today's games are against Pomona-Pitzer, a team from California, and Denison, from Ohio. It's going to be a hot one today, as we play at 1:30 and 3:30, local time - high today expected to be near 90 (but it's dry heat) :). We've been pushing the fluids hard and the players have respected the sun and heat by staying hydrated.
We need to come out with a lot of energy again today - the team understands how important it is to play the way "we" play, so they're doing a very good job of bringing lots of energy to the game.
I've seen lots of positives this week - we have plenty to work on, but we have a bunch of freshmen who have earned a lot of playing time this week, and this experience is giving them more confidence. Last night we started a freshman battery, and 3 freshmen in the infield.
Keep the warm Wisconsin weather comin'!
Coach Huntington
We are about to head to the field for Day 5, so I thought I should write a quick update on Day 4.
Yesterday's opponents were Schreiner University from Texas and Augsburg College from Minnesota. We were able to come through the day with two victories - 8-2 and 11-2, respectively.
From yesterday's games I'd like to feature freshman pitcher, Ashley Meinen, from Chippewa Falls McDonnel High School. Ashley pitched 4 innings of shut-out ball against Augsburg, to earn her 2nd collegiate victory. (She had earned her first win vs. Lakeland on Monday) Ashley is doing a good job of hitting her spots and making her pitches work. I remind her to execute her pitches, and as long as she focuses on that, she does well. She also smiles a lot in the circle, which is fun to see. When I see that smile I know she's relaxed and having fun. Ashley has learned from practice that she can't afford to make mistakes as a pitcher - at this level, mistakes get hit hard - she is adjusting well to the college game.
Today's games are against Pomona-Pitzer, a team from California, and Denison, from Ohio. It's going to be a hot one today, as we play at 1:30 and 3:30, local time - high today expected to be near 90 (but it's dry heat) :). We've been pushing the fluids hard and the players have respected the sun and heat by staying hydrated.
We need to come out with a lot of energy again today - the team understands how important it is to play the way "we" play, so they're doing a very good job of bringing lots of energy to the game.
I've seen lots of positives this week - we have plenty to work on, but we have a bunch of freshmen who have earned a lot of playing time this week, and this experience is giving them more confidence. Last night we started a freshman battery, and 3 freshmen in the infield.
Keep the warm Wisconsin weather comin'!
Coach Huntington
Monday, March 16, 2009
Tucson Games - Day 3
Good Evening Blugold Fans!
We're halfway done with our spring trip, and currently sit at 5-1. We were able to win two more games today. Game one vs. Wesleyan (CT) ended with a 5-2 score, and game two vs. Lakeland ended at 5-1.
I like the progress I'm seeing in our team. We have a lot of players making contributions and we are finding that balanced offensive lineup that I had hoped for. We have a combination of speed and power that I'm very happy with at this point. I think we're getting better as the week is going along. I am also pleased with the energy we continue to have.
Although I feel that our entire team is contributing this week, I want to feature Aleisha Harper tonight. Aleisha is playing 2B and 3B for us and has been somewhat of a surprise. I knew she was talented in high school, but I didn't expect her to adjust to the college game as well as she has as quickly as she has. She has made an immediate impact and is gaining a lot of confidence this week. Aleisha is from Eau Claire North High School and I'm REALLY happy that she is now wearing a Blugold uniform. I'll try to feature a different player in future posts so you can get some more insight into our team.
We've been able to use all of our pitchers up to this point as well, and although we have plenty of room for improvement in the circle, we are getting the job done right now. We will continue to work hard - we need to cut down on the walks and the runs that we're giving up, but fortunately our offense has helped out our pitchers.
After the games today, we came back to the hotel and the players got to enjoy a little downtime by the pool, and we shared a lot of good laughs while we relaxed. We are off tomorrow, so we're going to have a chance to get some much-needed rest. It's great being outside in the sun and warmth, but it does take a lot out of us, so this chance to catch our breath and recharge is coming at a great time.
Before I sign off, I just want to shout out to Dave Ross, who wanted to make sure that I got a hard time for not posting more regularly! Dave, I'm so tired that I can hardly read the screen I'm typing on, but I don't want to let you down! :)
Also want to thank the Blugold alumnae who read the posts - know that I will make every effort to post regularly so I can keep you up to date! And please get your RSVP to Robin ASAP so you can be a VIP the first weekend in April! LOL!!! Sorry, couldn't resist.......
Thanks for reading.......keep 'em high and tight!
Coach Huntington
We're halfway done with our spring trip, and currently sit at 5-1. We were able to win two more games today. Game one vs. Wesleyan (CT) ended with a 5-2 score, and game two vs. Lakeland ended at 5-1.
I like the progress I'm seeing in our team. We have a lot of players making contributions and we are finding that balanced offensive lineup that I had hoped for. We have a combination of speed and power that I'm very happy with at this point. I think we're getting better as the week is going along. I am also pleased with the energy we continue to have.
Although I feel that our entire team is contributing this week, I want to feature Aleisha Harper tonight. Aleisha is playing 2B and 3B for us and has been somewhat of a surprise. I knew she was talented in high school, but I didn't expect her to adjust to the college game as well as she has as quickly as she has. She has made an immediate impact and is gaining a lot of confidence this week. Aleisha is from Eau Claire North High School and I'm REALLY happy that she is now wearing a Blugold uniform. I'll try to feature a different player in future posts so you can get some more insight into our team.
We've been able to use all of our pitchers up to this point as well, and although we have plenty of room for improvement in the circle, we are getting the job done right now. We will continue to work hard - we need to cut down on the walks and the runs that we're giving up, but fortunately our offense has helped out our pitchers.
After the games today, we came back to the hotel and the players got to enjoy a little downtime by the pool, and we shared a lot of good laughs while we relaxed. We are off tomorrow, so we're going to have a chance to get some much-needed rest. It's great being outside in the sun and warmth, but it does take a lot out of us, so this chance to catch our breath and recharge is coming at a great time.
Before I sign off, I just want to shout out to Dave Ross, who wanted to make sure that I got a hard time for not posting more regularly! Dave, I'm so tired that I can hardly read the screen I'm typing on, but I don't want to let you down! :)
Also want to thank the Blugold alumnae who read the posts - know that I will make every effort to post regularly so I can keep you up to date! And please get your RSVP to Robin ASAP so you can be a VIP the first weekend in April! LOL!!! Sorry, couldn't resist.......
Thanks for reading.......keep 'em high and tight!
Coach Huntington
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Tucson Games - Day 2
Greetings Faithful Blugold Fans!
Tonight I write with excitement as we won two games today! We were challenged, as we spotted our opponents early runs in both games, but our offense was amazing today. Every single Blugold player saw the field today in one role or another.
Game one started out a little rough, as walks plagued us early. We got down, but we were never out as our offense was alive throughout and we were able to outscore Edgewood 5-3. We got down very early against Marian as well. The Marian hitters jumped on our pitching and attacked early in the count. I don't think we pitched poorly, their hitters just did a very good job. We were down 6-0 before we came back with a 7-run inning of our own, which was sparked by one of our freshmen, Jenny Janke, who played 1st base in that game. We ended up winning the game 11-6. Our young players came through big in the second game.
Today was much better for our team from an intensity and energy standpoint. We came with enthusiasm from the first pitch, and I think our players saw what that can do for us. Despite getting down early in each game, our energy carried us until we were able to break through with some runs of our own.
I am proud of how our players are responding, also, to the frequent changes in our lineup. Everyone seems to be understanding what we're trying to do early in the season and they are supporting each other very well. We have the makings of another very cohesive team, and I like what I see.
Two more tomorrow before we have an off day - we'll play Wesleyan (CT) in a 9 a.m. (AZ time) game, then Lakeland, another in-region opponent, at 11 a.m. (AZ time). We're hoping to have the opportunity to go watch the University of Arizona practice tomorrow afternoon before having about 48 hours off to get some much-needed rest and rehydration. Several of our players have plans for Tuesday with their families - headed off to who-knows-where for some sightseeing, and, if I know this team, I'm sure some shopping will be involved.
Thanks for reading.......
Coach Huntington
Tonight I write with excitement as we won two games today! We were challenged, as we spotted our opponents early runs in both games, but our offense was amazing today. Every single Blugold player saw the field today in one role or another.
Game one started out a little rough, as walks plagued us early. We got down, but we were never out as our offense was alive throughout and we were able to outscore Edgewood 5-3. We got down very early against Marian as well. The Marian hitters jumped on our pitching and attacked early in the count. I don't think we pitched poorly, their hitters just did a very good job. We were down 6-0 before we came back with a 7-run inning of our own, which was sparked by one of our freshmen, Jenny Janke, who played 1st base in that game. We ended up winning the game 11-6. Our young players came through big in the second game.
Today was much better for our team from an intensity and energy standpoint. We came with enthusiasm from the first pitch, and I think our players saw what that can do for us. Despite getting down early in each game, our energy carried us until we were able to break through with some runs of our own.
I am proud of how our players are responding, also, to the frequent changes in our lineup. Everyone seems to be understanding what we're trying to do early in the season and they are supporting each other very well. We have the makings of another very cohesive team, and I like what I see.
Two more tomorrow before we have an off day - we'll play Wesleyan (CT) in a 9 a.m. (AZ time) game, then Lakeland, another in-region opponent, at 11 a.m. (AZ time). We're hoping to have the opportunity to go watch the University of Arizona practice tomorrow afternoon before having about 48 hours off to get some much-needed rest and rehydration. Several of our players have plans for Tuesday with their families - headed off to who-knows-where for some sightseeing, and, if I know this team, I'm sure some shopping will be involved.
Thanks for reading.......
Coach Huntington
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Ups and Downs
Hello Blugold Fans!
We rebounded from a disappointing 2-1 loss vs. LaVerne today and defeated a scrappy Central team 7-2. Today was a tale of two different Blugold personalities on the field.
In game one, Bri Sturm pitched a great game to start her senior season, but defensive miscues and a lack of aggressive offense did us in. I make no excuses for our team. We didn't execute on defense or offense. Fundamental mistakes cost us. I was disappointed in our hitters as we did not go on the attack. We acted like we were waiting for someone to give us something. We did not play at a high level and did not have the intensity that I hope for on a daily basis. Our enthusiasm during warm ups was good - we wanted to play badly; but once the game started, we allowed our opponent to dictate the pace and the intensity.
Game two was a completely different story. We had another very good pitching performance - this time by Jenny Ross. And we decided to play aggressively on offense, attacking the ball and trying to make something happen. We started with 3 freshmen in the infield (Jenny Janke, Aleisha Harper, and Jess Freagon) and they did a great job. Ashley Meinen came on in relief for "J-Ro" and gave up one run in 2 innings of work - getting the first game jitters out of the way.
Regrettably, I wish we could have game one back to play again. But there's nothing we can do about it now. My hope is that the team learned from it.
Two more games tomorrow - 11 a.m. (AZ time) vs. Edgewood College and 1:30 p.m. vs. Marian College. Both games are in-region games for us, so we need these games, but as far as I'm concerned, they're all big games.
Thanks for reading.
Coach Huntington
We rebounded from a disappointing 2-1 loss vs. LaVerne today and defeated a scrappy Central team 7-2. Today was a tale of two different Blugold personalities on the field.
In game one, Bri Sturm pitched a great game to start her senior season, but defensive miscues and a lack of aggressive offense did us in. I make no excuses for our team. We didn't execute on defense or offense. Fundamental mistakes cost us. I was disappointed in our hitters as we did not go on the attack. We acted like we were waiting for someone to give us something. We did not play at a high level and did not have the intensity that I hope for on a daily basis. Our enthusiasm during warm ups was good - we wanted to play badly; but once the game started, we allowed our opponent to dictate the pace and the intensity.
Game two was a completely different story. We had another very good pitching performance - this time by Jenny Ross. And we decided to play aggressively on offense, attacking the ball and trying to make something happen. We started with 3 freshmen in the infield (Jenny Janke, Aleisha Harper, and Jess Freagon) and they did a great job. Ashley Meinen came on in relief for "J-Ro" and gave up one run in 2 innings of work - getting the first game jitters out of the way.
Regrettably, I wish we could have game one back to play again. But there's nothing we can do about it now. My hope is that the team learned from it.
Two more games tomorrow - 11 a.m. (AZ time) vs. Edgewood College and 1:30 p.m. vs. Marian College. Both games are in-region games for us, so we need these games, but as far as I'm concerned, they're all big games.
Thanks for reading.
Coach Huntington
Game On!
Greetings Blugold Fans!
Well, here it is......finally.......opening day! Since my last post the team has continued to work on preparation for the coming season, both on and off the field (gym floor). :) We might not be perfect today, but we're prepared. If our enthusiasm is any indication, we're going to have a good day today.
We arrived in Tucson on Thursday night, or, well, Friday morning - getting into our hotel rooms about 3 a.m. Arizona time, which was 5 a.m. at home. Despite the lack of sleep, Friday was a great day! Coach Baker and I got a chance to scout our Day 1 opponents, as well as another team that we'll be playing this week. We took the team to Golf Links Park for a GREAT practice - they are fired up and ready to go. Getting on the dirt on an actual softball field was awesome, and the players responded well. Then we had a great meal at the Pinnacle Peak Steakhouse (thanks Dayle!), and an early night to bed after a brief team meeting.
This morning Coach Baker and I got in a good workout, a good breakfast, we'll have pregame meal at 11:30 (AZ time), then it's off to the park to face the University of LaVerne in our first game, and Central College in game 2. Both teams will challenge us immediately, as LaVerne has already played 20 games, and Central played 2 yesterday. We will learn a lot today, and that will make us better.
It seems like just yesterday we were walking off the field in Salem, VA, after our National Championship - but at the same time, it feels like forever.
It's game day - No excuses, No regrets.
As always, life is a series of left turns - see you around the corner.......
GO BLUGOLDS!
Coach Huntington
Well, here it is......finally.......opening day! Since my last post the team has continued to work on preparation for the coming season, both on and off the field (gym floor). :) We might not be perfect today, but we're prepared. If our enthusiasm is any indication, we're going to have a good day today.
We arrived in Tucson on Thursday night, or, well, Friday morning - getting into our hotel rooms about 3 a.m. Arizona time, which was 5 a.m. at home. Despite the lack of sleep, Friday was a great day! Coach Baker and I got a chance to scout our Day 1 opponents, as well as another team that we'll be playing this week. We took the team to Golf Links Park for a GREAT practice - they are fired up and ready to go. Getting on the dirt on an actual softball field was awesome, and the players responded well. Then we had a great meal at the Pinnacle Peak Steakhouse (thanks Dayle!), and an early night to bed after a brief team meeting.
This morning Coach Baker and I got in a good workout, a good breakfast, we'll have pregame meal at 11:30 (AZ time), then it's off to the park to face the University of LaVerne in our first game, and Central College in game 2. Both teams will challenge us immediately, as LaVerne has already played 20 games, and Central played 2 yesterday. We will learn a lot today, and that will make us better.
It seems like just yesterday we were walking off the field in Salem, VA, after our National Championship - but at the same time, it feels like forever.
It's game day - No excuses, No regrets.
As always, life is a series of left turns - see you around the corner.......
GO BLUGOLDS!
Coach Huntington
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