Offense key in softball victory over ETSU

As the new season progresses, the Furman Lady Paladin softball team is finding out more about itself with each game. It seems, at least for the time being, that part of its identity is going to be a team that relies on its offense to win games.The Lady Paladins (3-5) split a doubleheader with East Tennessee State (4-3) last Friday, winning the first 5-2 and losing the finale 3-0. Despite the miserable playing conditions-it was 32 degrees and windy at game time, hardly ideal softball weather-Furman was able to put together one of its best offensive performances of the year behind senior third-baseman Abby Robertson's four hits and sophomore second-baseman Morgan Hughey's two home runs.

"Morgan really got our offense jump-started," said Head Coach Dana Jenkins, "she's someone with power potential and when she hit the first one over the fence it really got everyone excited. Abbey is a great contact hitter and an incredible two-strike hitter, and she got back to what she does very well for us."

The second game of the series did not end as the Lady Paladins would have liked, as they could only manage two hits in a 3-0 ETSU shutout.

"Our offense just didn't match theirs," said Coach Jenkins. "You have to match them run for run, and our pitching wasn't perfect, but you have to be able to provide some run support."

Coach Jenkins also noted that the Lady Paladins have struggled in doubleheader finales thus far.

"Mackey has this intensity about her when she pitches. She keeps the game tempo up and the team feeds off of her. As a team, we haven't learned how to change our mindset with the change in game tempo," said Coach Jenkins.

Despite the rough spots, Jenkins is satisfied with the results from the series, calling it a good split with a team that executed very well.

Next up for Furman softball is a doubleheader at UNC-Charlotte on Feb. 28 and a home doubleheader with Presbyterian on March 4. The Lady Paladins split their series with both teams last year, and will be hoping for at least the same results this season. One thing is certain; if they are going to succeed in either series, they will need to be hitting on all cylinders.