The Communique

Issue date: 4/29/04 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Amanda Kasper Ashley Johnson takes a swing at an oncoming pitch.

While the national tournament may be a typical goal for any one of Kirkwood teams, the softball team has had some atypical challenges on their way to the national tournament. The Eagles have had injured players who have major roles on the team.

"This is something we haven't had to deal with before, we are trying to get some people ready and keep everyone else healthy," commented Jim Overturf, Kirkwood's head softball coach.

Sophomore pitcher Shelley Heindel, sophomore outfielder Ashley Johnson and sophomore catcher Lindsey Wilson have all faced injuries this season.

The most serious was Wilson who is expected to be on the injured list for the rest of the season.

Overturf commented that he and the team have worked really hard to have a lot of depth on the roster.

So although the injured players affected the team, they hope their work pays off so they can continue to compete well.

Sophomore catcher Erin Thimmesch filled in for Wilson almost all of the games and freshman Emily Herman has moved from the outfield to give relief for Thimmesch.

Although the softball team may be having troubles with injuries, they have a winning record of 28 and 10 overall and they are 14 and 2 in their conference.

To stay focused Overturf said he always looks ahead to the next game and makes that the main goal of the team.

"The important game is the next game," Overturf said. "We take each game by itself."

While the season is drawing to an end for the softball team, with only two days until the regional tournament, which will be held at Kirkwood's softball complex by the airport.
Overturf commented that the overall goal for the team is to win the regional tournament and go to the national tournament.

"We have high goals so we want to keep working to improve," Overturf added. Overturf commented that the team has had its goals since the beginning of the season and the team wants to keep climbing to reach all of their goals.

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