Bellarmine spring sports are underway with practices and games, and the Knights are working hard in hopes of successful 2022 season.
The lacrosse team had its first game on Jan. 29, and lost to Mercer University 9-4 but sophomore attackman Christian Della Rocco said he has been eager for the new season to begin. He said last season had its ups and downs but, the team really came together toward the end of the season.
“I think this season will be better,” he said. “We have a lot of younger guys coming in and the older guys bring a lot of experience back, so hopefully we put all the pieces together and figure out some ways to win.”
While Della Rocco hopes for his team’s success, he also has some personal goals. He said he would love to finish as one of the leading scorers on the team and earn some conference accolades all while being the best teammate he can be.
The next spring sport to have its 2022 debut is softball. The softball team’s first game is away against Tarleton State University on Feb. 11.
Sophomore pitcher Carson Goatley said she thinks this season will be better compared to last years because the softball program has upped its game.
“We have some awesome new coaches,” Goatley said. “Our new pitching coach, Molly Paulick, has helped the team as a whole with new strategies and new ideas. She just graduated college, so she has a feel for what the conference is like and really understands the game.”
The softball team also increased their off season work hours and training to up its game. “With the transition to division one last season, it took us a while to get used to the tougher competition,” Goatley said. “The team has worked really hard in the off season and we’re ready to compete this spring.”
The baseball team’s first game is away on Feb. 18 against the University of Virginia.
Sophomore first baseman Davis Crane said he, too, is hopeful for his team’s season. Crane said this year’s team is full of confidence. “Based off last year’s stats and record, I think this year we are going to surprise a lot of people this season with what we are capable of,” Crane said.
Last season, the Knights finished 13-36, but Crane said he believes this year’s record will be a big improvement.
The baseball team had key players graduate, causing the lineup to look a lot different this year. “We lost a bunch of pitchers, but honestly, I think our defense is better compared to last year,” Crane said. “We don’t have the same starting arms as last year, but we have more depth and versatility this season.”
Schedules for upcoming sporting events can be found at Bellarmine Athletics page https://athletics.bellarmine.edu/calendar
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