In splitting a doubleheader yesterday at Harvard University (11-12), the Boston University softball team (16-16, 2-1 America East) took the “team” aspect of the game to a whole new level.
The Terriers, who won the first game, 3-1, before dropping a 3-2 decision in the nightcap, demonstrated teamwork in its purest form by playing their roles to the fullest in the circle, on the field and at the plate.
On the rubber, freshman pitcher Cassidi Hardy continued to fill the void left by junior hurler Brittany Detwiler’s absence. With Detwiler, the team’s ace, sidelined for the next four to six weeks with an ankle sprain, Hardy went the distance for the fourth consecutive outing, helping BU to its game-one victory. She also tossed the final inning and two-thirds of the second contest.
“[Hardy] had a nice day today,” said BU coach Shawn Rychcik. “She was strong. She pretty much was in control the whole day.”
Hardy may have been helped by some extra rest, as Tuesday’s twinbill at the University of Rhode Island was rained out.
“I think, this week in particular, [the rainout] helped [Hardy] out a lot,”Rychcik said.”Going into conference, my goal was not to wear her out going into the weekend. Those Rhode Island games were probably at the right time to get some rain for us. Hardy threw just a little over a game this week. I think she’ll be pretty sharp [this weekend].”
Rychick was able to achieve his goal of keeping Hardy fresh for this weekend’s three-game home set against America East foe University of Hartford, in large part because freshman Shayne Lotito stepped into the circle to make the first start of her BU career in the second game against Harvard. Lotito, BU’s primary center fielder who hadn’t pitched since high school, tossed four and one-third solid innings, allowing just two earned runs while surrendering three hits, walking three and striking out two.
“She was real solid.” Rychcik said. “She gave us an opportunity to win. She made some pitches at times.”
Knowing Hardy will need occasional rest and Detwiler won’t be available for the near future, Rychcik seemed delighted with Lotito’s ability get big outs for the Terriers.
“We’ve got an option here and a pretty good one,” Rychcik said of Lotito. “She can win some games at this level,”
Lotito’s emergence as BU’s No. 3 pitcher, however, adds a twist to the role of sophomore Melody Popravak. When Lotito toed the rubber for game two, Popravak, listed as a pitcher on BU’s website, took right field. Although it wasn’t her expected role coming into the season, Popravak still performed admirably.
“[Popravak] really helped us out a lot today. She made a couple of really good plays,” Rychcik said. “She’s finding some ways to help the team. She may still have an opportunity to help us [by pitching] at some point this year.”
The Terriers also displayed exceptional teamwork from the offensive side, as they laid down four sacrifice bunts and stole five bases to make the most of their six hits against the Crimson.
“As you get into better pitching, better pitching will always dominate good hitting,” Rychcik said. “If we’re not getting 10-12 hits a game, we have other options. We can rely on our speed, we can rely on small ball. It’s a nice option to have and I think we’re very good at it. We’ve been playing that way lately and it’s been paying off for us.”
