With the calendar flipping to March, the MSUM women’s softball team is inching one step closer to getting back on the diamond.

The team has been practicing since August and it is one month away from playing games. But spring is coming a little early for the team as it embarks on its annual spring break trip to Florida to play 12 games in six days. The tournament will give the Dragons a chance to play teams outside of their conference and be able to play on real grass instead of playing inside, which the team has been doing through the winter.

“It’s a lot of softball in a short period of time, and we play some of the best teams in the country,” head coach Kelsey Fehl said.

With the spring break trip quickly approaching the team will get a chance to put their practice into action.

Fehl said this year’s team is young with only one senior and two juniors.

“We’re looking at getting a lot of experience for our younger players,” Fehl said.

Senior first baseman Amanda Moore is excited for the season.

“We have a lot of good freshman,” Moore said.

Fehl points to the defense of the Dragons as a strong point.

She says the pitching has improved and the team is working on hitting everyday.

The team plays most of its games in April and Fehl said that the team needs to adapt quickly when it comes time to step on the diamond. A short season means the team needs to have a quick memory.

“You can never get too low or too high on yourself,” Fehl said.

Fehl said one of the goals of the season is to finish in the top half of the conference and to improve every game.

Both Fehl and Moore said that energy and communication will help the Dragons when they step onto the field.

“Our energy level will help us and it is contagious … it starts with one person and the whole team gets going,” Moore said.

Fehl said the team right now is pretty healthy overall but the pitchers are a little banged up.

Looking to the season Moore said one thing is important to remember: “We need to focus on one game at a time.”

The team will travel to Florida on March 8 and will open its home schedule on March 29 against Wayne State (Neb.).

BY BREANN LENZMEIER
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