Howard College Softball Slowed By Wintry Weather

February has been a frustrating month for the Howard College softball team, with the Texas cold front wreaking havoc on their schedule. The team had to cancel nine games in February alone, with extreme cold conditions impacting much of Texas. In fact, nine of their last 10 games were either canceled or postponed, affecting the Hawks' momentum just as they were gearing up for the season.

Despite the setback, Howard returned to action after the weather cleared, though the rust was evident when they took the field against Weatherford College in a two-game stretch.

First Game: A Challenging Return to Action

The first game of the series was a tough one for the Hawks. After an extended break, the team struggled to find their rhythm at the plate. Howard managed only one hit in the game, with Aryah Barrera leading the way with one hit in three at-bats. The Hawks struck out 13 times, and offensive opportunities were few and far between.

Megan Harrison started on the mound, pitching a complete game, allowing four runs on five hits, and striking out two in the loss. Despite the challenges, the Hawks remained resilient, showing flashes of promise in the field, including a double play turned by Beatrice Hitomi. The Hawks would fall 4-0.

Second Game: A Stronger Offensive Showing

The second game saw a slight improvement in the Hawks' offensive performance, though they still couldn't break through. Howard managed seven runs on eight hits, with Beatrice Hitomi delivering a standout performance, going 2-for-4 with 2 RBIs. The highlight of the game came from Elena Mendez, who hit a home run while also tallying two stolen bases.

Pitching was a struggle once again for the Hawks, as Kaela Martinez took the loss, allowing seven earned runs over eight innings. However, the game wasn't without its moments of brilliance, as the team played solid defense, including a stolen base by Eva O'Loughlan and Beatrice Hitomi's two-sport efforts. Weathord would topple the home team 11-8.

Looking Forward: Team Poised for Recovery

Despite the challenges brought on by the weather and an inconsistent offensive showing, the Howard College softball team remains determined. After a tough stretch of cancellations, the team is eager to shake off the rust and get back to their winning ways. The Hawks will return to Big Spring on March 4th against Wayland Baptist.