The Belhaven University softball team has been the most consistent and most respected athletic team on the campus of Belhaven for the better half of 6 years. The team had high hopes for this season and still seems to have high hopes despite the fact of their injuries and the many people playing different positions on the field.
The Blazer softball team has been to the NCCAA National Tournament three years out of the last five. According to Head Coach Kevin Griffin, The Blazers are currently in transition from a division known as NAIA to the well- known Division Three NCAA.
“We only have to win 52% of our games and that is the way it has been for us for 4 years now. Next year we will officially be NCAA and will be allowed to compete for regionals and conference championships then ultimately the NCAA Division Three National Championship. We have had a really hard time adjusting to different positions due to our injuries and other things.”
Coach Kevin Griffin says that due to injuries his players have been all over the field. Their ace pitcher, Bailey Root, plays shortstop when she is not pitching while their right fielder, Marlee Blackwell plays shortstop when she is pitching. The Blazers sometimes have their starting first baseman, Brittany Chetta in right field and their starting third baseman Allie Gordon playing shortstop at times due to another player having limited range of motion because of an injury.
“We’ve had a lot of injuries” says Griffin “you just don’t know how everyone else around will respond when such talented players go down and it kinda changes the whole chemistry and the whole dynamic of your season.”
When asking Head Coach Kevin Griffin on if anyone has stepped up he did not hesitate.
“Anna Peyton Montesi who has played limited innings in the last few years stepped up and has really hit the ball well for us this year. She is always solid for us defensively and she was really the one who had to step up for us and the one who people really believe in now.”
The head coach of the Blazers and several of the players all believe that they still have everything they need in order to have a successful season together as a team despite the injuries. They just must figure out the collective unit part of it. Averi Pender, Abby Mondy and Sarah Depperschmidt are among the injured all of which have decided to redshirt so next year the Blazers are losing three seniors which include: Jordan Self, pitcher, Brianna Dollar, second base and Danielle Darmohray who plays first base.
Averi Pender will be a redshirt senior in the 2020 season which will add a big bat and speed to the Blazer’s lineup. She had hand surgery after catching a pop up in the outfield prior to 2019 season starting. Middle infielder Abby Mondy will be a redshirt junior she will also have speed to the lineup and a good glove to the Belhaven Blazer’s lineup. She suffered from a compound fracture to her leg after a collision with the first baseman of the opposing team in late February. Three days in the hospital and a permanent titanium rod in her leg later she should be ready to go in a year she and the Blazers are hopeful. Sarah Depperschmidt has had three knee surgeries since last July. She will also be returning to the lineup as a redshirt junior as a middle infielder.
It is no secret that the Blazers have not had a very successful year or at least the year that they had hoped for. Their overall average is 9-12 while their conference average is 5-10 as of now. However, they still have a chance at going to the national tournament for the second year in a row and the challenging, gut-checking year is not getting in their way it is only motivating players.
“I think we can get through this. We just have to work hard these next couple of weeks.” Says senior pitcher Jordan Self.
The fans of the Blazers also have no doubt in the players. Averi Pender’s mother, Robin, still believes in her daughter and her teammates.
“They still have a lot of talent on their team and I’m pretty sure they will come back. I believe that they will.”
The Belhaven Blazers know the task that is ahead of them. They have 19 games left on their schedule and they must win 14 of them in order to qualify for playoffs. Their next game is March 27 at Jim McCleod Field in Jackson, MS against Huntingdon College.
com210news 
Let’s hope for a clean sweep the rest of the season!
LikeLike
Sarah, I am sad to hear about the major injuries that fall upon the softball players this year. I work at Belhaven’s home games for work study and had been there working on the day that Abby Mondy received her compound fracture. I didn’t see the extent of the injury as I accidentally locked myself out of the concession stand and was trying to figure out a way to get back in when they brought her onto the ambulance that was parked in front of the building. Though, I have heard that it was terrible and you would not have wanted to see such a wound. I hope Abby is feeling better. If you can, send her my regards.
LikeLike
Sarah, thanks for sharing your story! I can tell that this softball team is something that you are passionate about by reading your story. I hate to hear about all of the injuries, but it still looks like the team is doing well! It is obvious that the talent on this team is amazing. I hope you guys get where you want to be. Go Blazers!
LikeLike
Woah, this team has been through a lot! Its nice to hear that you all still have a positive outlook on things. I’m sure the team will keep doing great because you are all so determined!
LikeLike
I also hope that you guys are able to qualify for the playoffs. I’m sorry to hear about all of the injuries you all have had to deal with. However, I’m glad you guys are using it as a motivation to make it to the playoffs. I think you have a passion for softball and I hope enjoyed your story.
LikeLike