By COLLIN ZINK, Student Reporter
The Northwestern Rangers softball team is looking forward to a new season after going 8-31 last season and finishing on a 12-game losing streak.
There is also a new coach in town, as the Rangers’ new head coach is Ryan Wondrasek.
Although the previous softball season was not the outcome the Rangers were looking for, Wondrasek said he has high expectations for the team.
“For us, our goal is to compete and make the conference tournament,” Wondrasek said.
Pitcher Hannah Howell, along with Abby DeTar, have conference tournament hopes as well.
In the 2021 season, the Rangers’ opponents had a better batting average at .331, while the Rangers averaged .255.
Wondrasek said the fans can expect a better outcome from the offense.
DeTar said fans can expect the team to give everything it has on the field.
“The fans should expect lots of fight and energy coming from this team,” DeTar said. “Being able to work together on the field and at the plate will give us the most improvement.”
Howell said she hopes fans will come to watch and see the team succeed.
“I hope people can come to our games and enjoy the atmosphere and the energy that everyone on this team brings to the field,” Howell said. “I also hope they can witness us winning some games and celebrating our successes with us.”
Wondrasek said the team needs to improve on offense and defense.
“We are working to be better defensively by giving our pitchers a chance and improving offensively,” Wondrasek said
Howell said the team can make improvements on offense and defense as well.
“I believe we can improve all around, and we are continuing to do so every day,” Howell said. “We are seeing a more aggressive offense and strong defense, and these are both contributors that will make us successful this season.”
DeTar said that how the team treats each other and helps each other out will be an improvement.
“The main thing we can improve on is team comradery,” DeTar said.
The team also has some strengths to go on with its conference tournament hopes.
Wondrasek said the team’s depth in its roster is a strength.
Howell said another strength is the team’s energy.
“I believe we have many strengths,” Howell said. “A couple that stick out to me would be the energy everyone brings, whether it’s practice or games.Another strength is our want to win. Every member of this team is ready to come out and win some games.”
DeTar said the team stands behind each other and has an improved defense.
“The biggest strength we have is being able to work together and rally behind each other,” DeTar said. “We also have stepped up our defense tremendously, which I think will be a considerable strength this year.”
The softball season starts Feb. 11 in Lubbock, Texas, with the Rangers playing Colorado Christian University at the Lubbock Christian Festival.
The Rangers will make their home debut Feb. 15 when they take on Newman University in a doubleheader with games at 2 and 4 p.m.