The softball Boxers finished strong this last weekend, April 14 and 15, with three wins against the Lewis & Clark Pioneers.
These wins are bittersweet for the seniors on the team as they also concluded the season for the Boxers.
“This has been a tough season for me knowing that it is my last,” said senior pitcher Chelsey Chamberlain. “I really just went out there and gave it my all and left it all out on the field.”
The Boxers are sixth in conference standings, but have united as a team to win some key games this season.
“The team dynamic has been great,” said Chamberlain. “We really have had great team chemistry and I think that has helped us stick together throughout the season.”
That positive team dynamic has helped the Boxers keep right ahead of Lewis & Clark and Puget Sound in conference.
On Saturday, April 14 the Boxers lost game one 3-2 against Lewis & Clark, but turned around the double-header to win game two in a sweep of 7-0.
Their double-header on Sunday, April 15 never gave up fighting as they won 3-2 and 6-5 against the Pioneers.
This last weekend was a highlight for the team.
In game one, sophomore infielder and outfielder Becca Moen hit her first home run of her softball career. Freshman pitcher Chloe Hanson ousted two batters of the Pioneers in one inning.
Freshman outfielder Kaylene Sudbeck made a catch that resulted in a double play shutting down the Pioneers to end that inning.
In game two, freshman infielder and outfielder Kaitlyn Shikada made two runs batted in for the Boxers.
Sophomore pitcher Shannon Miller struck out five Pioneers and walked three of them for the win.
Chamberlain didn’t stop her efforts in the game even under pressure and with the temptation of senioritis.
She led the sixth inning of game one with a home run. This was Chamberlain’s eighth home run this season.
“The highlight for me this season was being able to go out on the field for one more year and give it everything I got,” said Chamberlain. “We ended on a great note winning the last three games of the season.”
As Chamberlain looks forward to life after college she hopes for the best with the freshman-heavy team the Boxers have.
“I wish the team much success in the future,” said Chamberlain. “I know they have the capabilities to do great and believe in themselves to do those great things.”
This season was the ground for the new Boxers to show their and while overall the Boxers shone, there were moments for improvement.
“The biggest challenge this season was overcoming adversity,” said Chamberlain. “We had a few injuries along the way that kind of set us back a little bit, but people stepped up in situations and helped us out.”
This challenge will be a learning experience for the new Boxers next season when they will be expected by Head Coach Tim Hill to step up as leaders.
For now though, the end to Chamberlain’s softball career continues to be bittersweet.
“Softball has been a huge part of my life the past four years,” she said. “It has been a blessing to play for Pacific University and under coach Hill. I definitely wouldn’t have done it any other way.”
As seniors Chamberlain, centerfielder Jordan Mittelsdorf, third base Lauren Tuey and first base Ashley Billingsley prepare to move on, the memories they have held with Pacific softball will stay.
“Getting to play for my school is just something that I really cherish and to play at Pacific University for four years has been a true blessing,” said Chamberlain.
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