By Aaron Weitzman / Sports Editor

After starting out 5-1 in the AMCC, the softball team has hit a rough patch going 1-4 over the past five conference games. Despite the recent slide, the lady bobcats are still on track to make the playoffs. They are currently sitting in fourth place, with the top six teams making play-offs.

The lady bobcats have eight conference games left, four of which are against 4-17 Hilbert College and 0-17 Franciscan University. The other four games are against second place Frostburg State and seventh place Medaille College.

After making playoffs for the first time in school history last year, head coach Dana Munchinski and the team have higher aspirations this year.

“We have a dedicated group of girls who all are working toward the same goal and that is to place first in the AMCC, win the Conference Tournament and get an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament,” Munchinski said.

After having their season end last year with both of their only pitchers hurt, and a position player on the mound, the experienced team is ready to reach their goals.

“Our team has improved drastically since last season. With the bitter end in our AMCC tournament where we knew we could have finished at the top, we had something to make us work harder, a little motivation if you will. We have six seniors leading the way this year, some play more than others, but all have made a big impact on our team success,” Munchinski said.

Another difference from last year is the amount of players on the team, last year they hardly had any bench players and now they have a roster of 17.

“The team can only succeed if everyone plays their role and stays healthy. What is nice about having 17 girls on the roster is that we have depth which creates competition and also an understanding of team work. When one girls is having a bad day hitting or fielding, we have someone to pick her up. That is what makes our team so special this season,” Munchinski said.

Come cheer on the lady bobcats on Tuesday, April 14 as they will host the barons from Franciscan University. The double-header is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.