The Lady Lions softball team organized an alumni fall fun game over the Homecoming weekend.
On Saturday, Oct. 22, the softball team played at the North Oak Park at 10 a.m. This game marked the end of the fall season for the team and the entire game was played with the motive of having a good time and connecting with the university’s alumnus.
“We try and do this every year,” said Head Coach Rick Fremin. “This is for the alumni and we try and make it about them and that way we can bridge the gap from the former players to the current players.”
Before the game, the teams were split in which consisted of past and present players. During the game, players found new ways to have fun. After the end of every inning, the teams came together and along with the coach, they thought of new ways to amuse the audience.
The pitches were thrown slowly. There were multiple fielders present on the bases and in the outfield. The batters skipped bases, and while they were running, the basemen tried to block them.
At one point in the game, everyone from both teams, except the batter and the catcher, were paired up. This resulted in chaos and confusion on the field. While one team was trying to catch, throw or pitch the ball, their partners were interrupting these plays.
The game lasted for an hour and a half. Fremin believes that having a positive and fun atmosphere around the team is important going into the spring season.
“This wraps up our fall,” said Fremin. “I think it’s really important with them coming out and having a good time, getting to know one another in a family atmosphere.”
With the end of the fall season, Fremin assessed this preseason as being successful and is encouraged by the form the team has shown going into the spring season.
“Well, I think we had a good fall,” said Fremin. “We finished 7-1 on our fall record and I hope that that transfers in spring, and I’m looking forward to the upcoming spring season.”
The Lady Lions will next play in 2017 Lion Classic I starting on Feb. 11, 2017. They feature in four home games that span over two days. The tournament will begin with the game against United States Military Academy, Army West Point.