On Wednesday, April 12th, at five o’clock, the Eureka Red Devil Softball team took on tough compeition against Fontbonne University. Although the Red Devils took two tough losses to Fontbonne, there was still much excitement during the game. There was much passion shown from both teams, and there were great attitudes during and after the game.

The first game ended 5-2 in the favor of Fontbonne. It had seemed that it took an inning or two for the Red Devils to catch their groove on the plate. “The game was good, we came out strong and had strong defense, we just needed to adjust to what the pitcher was throwing earlier on.” said number 16 Tressa Grisham. Once the Red Devils had warmed up, they were able to score two runs, before taking their first loss in the first game.

Some of the Eureka Red Devil supporters are wondering if the softball team expected it to be two tough games. Many were shocked with the outcome, considering the Red Devils beat Fontbonne University the last time they were matched up against one another. “I personally did not expect it to go that way, I thought we were prepared enough for a smoother game and were hopefully for at least a split four,” said #15 Kylie Schaffer. Supporters of the softball team are still confident that Eureka will make big things happen in the future as they continue to show their much-appreciated support. On a good note, many Eureka students showed up to support the Lady Red Devils. It’s always great to see a close-knit community coming together and celebrating one another.

What matters most though, in any journey, is the ability to improve. The softball team may have taken two tough losses Wednesday night, but spirits are high because they see improvement. Once they were warmed up to the game, they were a defensive unit. They were making great defensive plays and even having a few double plays happen for them. Their defense looks sharper this season, and their offense is simply “an art in progress”. “Yeah sure, the game was okay defensively we played really well but, on the offense, we struggled a little bit towards the end with our bats,” said #44 Delaney Douglas. This seems to be what most of the softball players are thinking to themselves. “Personally, I think the team and I could have done better at the plate, but overall, I had a great fielding day. The team did a great job fielding as well,” said #24 Christine Mepham.

In the end, the Eureka Red Devils put on a show for viewers. There was passion, spirit, and determination being shown from both teams which gave viewers the competitive atmosphere that they enjoy. The Red Devil softball team plans to move forward in the right direction and fix their mistakes they made previously. Once the softball team sharpens their skills, they will be a force to be reckoned with for anyone in the SLIAC (St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference).