Throughout the course of the 2012 season, MVNU senior outfielder MacKenzie Shaw will write a weekly blog about what is happening with the softball team.

"James 1" (posted on April 2, 2012)

Before every game, Ashley Riffell gives each of us a Bible verse to put in our back pocket and a ribbon to put in our hair with the Bible verse written on it. The verse from our games on Saturday continues to play throughout my head speaking words of encouragement to our team.

James 1:2 - Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

Needless to say, the Lady Cougar softball team has faced a few trials throughout the past week. Wednesday afternoon, we made the trip to Urbana University for a doubleheader. We lost both games to Urbana 9-0 and 5-1. Unfortunately, in the sixth inning of the second game, we experienced some heartache. Lindsey Minor, our centerfielder, gave her all for a diving catch in center field, one of the best catches I have ever seen! Lindsey made the catch, but got her glove caught under her body in the process. Lindsey broke her wrist in two places and had to undergo surgery on Friday afternoon. Lindsey is a HUGE part of our team and we already miss her greatly! I am sure she would appreciate your prayers for her quick healing!

After two tough losses and one of our most valuable players getting hurt, we were a bit defeated. We had a good practice on Thursday to boost our spirits. Friday, we hit the road for a long weekend of conference play in Indiana. We took the field on Friday for our conference opener against St. Francis. We fell short the first game against St. Francis 4-0. The second game was a much better performance for us! We played our hearts out into 8 innings, but couldn't pull out the win as we lost 7-6. We hit the road to spend the night in a hotel and take on Bethel the following day.

Saturday rolled around and we started out our day with a yummy team breakfast at IHOP. Most of us ordered way too much food, but we were full and ready to play! We headed to Bethel dressed in layers and missing the Florida sunshine! We fell to Bethel in the first game 7-2 as we tried to put up a good fight. The second game was not in our favor as we fell 16-0.

The long bus ride back seemed to never end! Long bus rides make for 17 silly girls! So, the Lady Cougar softball team has taken up a new hobby when we are not playing ball. We like to think that when softball is over, we will make a great choir! Our favorite artist to sing is Taylor Swift, but we do take requests! If you want to see a video of one of our solo singers, Dee Dill, performing her best impression of Tina Turner, check out my Facebook page here!

Although we are struggling on the field, we are staying strong as a team. We are always there for each other no matter what life may throw our way. This has been one of the closest teams I have been apart of. So, let me introduce a few more of them to you.

Morgan Wade is a freshman catcher from Buckeye Valley. Morgan is majoring in youth ministries and communications with a math minor. She told me that her biggest fear is probably showing up to a speech or presentation unprepared or with nothing to say. The song that describes her best is Waving Flag by K'naan because it is upbeat and full of hope and potential just like she is positive and always looking to see the hope and potential in any situation.

Morgan Wade	Kara Bauman

Kara Bauman is a freshman middle infielder from Rittman, Ohio. Kara is a middle childhood education major. Kara told me that her biggest fear was losing someone who was close to her. The song that best describes her is Halo because it helped her through the passing of her grandfathers.

Last but not least of the freshman class is Tessa Simmons. Tessa is a pitcher/outfielder from right down the road in Bladensburg, Ohio majoring in nursing. Her biggest fear is spiders and the song that best describes her is Don't Stop Believin' by Journey. She says it is so awesome to sing in the car and you should never stop believing!

Tessa Simmons	Lindsey Minor

Lindsey Minor is the toughest girl on the Lady Cougar softball team. Lindsey is a sophomore from Waynesburg, PA and majors in nursing. Lindsey is my rock in centerfield! Unfortunately, she will be out for the rest of the season due to her injury, but she is still a huge part of our team. Her biggest fear is forgetfulness and the song that best describes her is Take a Back Road because she is happiest when she is outdoors in the country.

Thanks again for reading the weekly blog! Please continue to pray for Lindsey and her speedy recovery! The Lady Cougars have another busy week this week. We head to Notre Dame on Tuesday and then hit the road again to Indiana to play Taylor University on Good Friday and Indiana Wesleyan on Saturday! I promise we will have a home game soon for you all to come out and watch! Go Cougars!

MacKenzie

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