It’s that time of the year again. The weather is getting warmer and Buffalo State’s softball season is underway.

The team took a trip down to Virginia for the Virginia Wesleyan Beach Blast to play four non-conference games which they split with two wins and two losses.

The players are excited to get back onto the diamond and get the games underway.

“It’s pretty exciting to start the season. It’s not only nice to be able to get out of the gym, but we’re lucky that we got to go to Virginia and have four games under our belts,” said senior first baseman Sarah Gorski.

The start of the season often comes with a bit of a lag, and that was very much the case for Buffalo State. The offense got off to a slow start as did the pitching. Saturday against Roanoke, the Bengals lost 6-1 and only managed five hits in 23 at-bats.

In the next game against Wesleyan, the mercy rule came into effect as the Bengals couldn’t manage a hit and were outscored 13-0 in a five-inning game.

On Sunday, the pitching came around and the offense finally came out of dormancy as the Bengals managed to get victories over Frostburg, 5-2, and Baruch, 7-1.

Against Frostberg, the Bengals allowed only three hits.

Sophomore Nicole Adams and senior Jordan Sarat combined for a no-hitter against Baruch. Although no hits were allowed, five walks were surrendered which produced a run for Baruch.

Senior Lexi Haley served as designated hitter against Baruch and blasted her first homerun of the season.

It’s important to identify what needs to be fixed in the first few games which serve as trials before conference play begins.

“I think our defense looked pretty solid, our offense just needs to work on getting more people on base and then moving runners and stringing hits together,” Gorski said.

At the beginning of the season, the goal is always the same for each and every team: win a championship. As the season takes shape, you get to see if those aspirations are actually possible. Buffalo State is a senior-heavy team and many of the players are hungry for a SUNYAC Championship.

“The most important thing for me is our team being able to compete for a SUNYAC championship. The number one thing I’ve wanted to do since I’ve been here is win SUNYACs,” senior infielder Stephanie Novo said. “I know that our whole team has that same goal, and that’s our main focus as a team.”

Next up for the Buffalo State softball team is another trip down south, this time to Florida. This trip will consist of 12 games between March 20 and March 27.

“We all have a great relationship with each other. We’re all very motivated,” senior outfielder Jean Stahl said. “The end goal is to win. I want to win the SUNYAC and I want to do it with this team. It’s been a blessing to play for the last four years and I really want something to show for it.”

email: [email protected]