Posted: Apr 26, 2021
Greetings Wolf Nation,
RECAP
Monday afternoon was the final day of the regular season for Wesleyan and the Wolves ended the year in fine fashion by white-washing the Covenant Scots twice, 8-0 and 2-0. With the twin wins, Wesleyan raised its USA South Conference West Division record to 8-6 and 14-16 for the year. The 8-6 record is good enough to move Wesleyan into sole possession of 3rd place in the eight-team West Division. These results—total wins and winning percentage—are the best that have ever been realized in the school's history. But, in spite of all that, Wolves' softball fans should remain focused because even brighter years lie ahead. For, indeed, a Purple Wave is about to wash over the USA South Conference!
BATTING HIGHLIGHTS
Offensively, the Wolves were led by second baseman Bailey Caldwell who had 3 hits in 5 at bats, with a run and an RBI in the two games.
Also notching a multi-hit day were:
Catcher Savannah Pollock———————2 for 5 with a run and 2 RBIs,
First baseman Jendayi Wright—————2 for 4 with 2 runs and 1 RBI,
Center fielder Marilynn Nesmith————2 for 5 with 2 runs,
Left fielder Lauren Hawkins——————-2 for 4 with an RBI, and
Designated player Madison Powell———2 for 7 with a run.
FIELDING
Wesleyan's defense turned two nifty double-plays yesterday, one in each game of the double header. In the first game, senior center fielder Marilynn Nesmith rushed in to snag a low line drive, then alertly tossed to shortstop Kassidy Hulett to double up the runner at second base and close out the inning. In the second game, Hulett was once again involved, this time teaming up with first baseman Jendayi Wright to complete the double-play.
PITCHING
However, as well as the overall team was playing, the day undoubtedly belonged to Wesleyan's ace in the circle, Kimberly Dick. On the previous night—Sunday night—at the 2021 Athletic Celebration Banquet, Ms. Dick was selected as Wesleyan's Athlete of the Year. So, on Monday, it was only fitting that Kimmie should close out her softball career at Wesleyan with yet another stellar performance. In her previous outing last Friday, Ms. Dick had limited the Division-leading Piedmont Lions to a single run but in yesterday's double header she did even better, she kept the Scots from crossing the plate at all. In effect, over the span of four days, Kimmie tossed four complete games, three of them shutouts! Could you ask for anything more from your frontline starter?
LOOKING AHEAD
There are five seniors on this year's softball team who are scheduled to graduate next month. The five are:
Wearing number 3, shortstop Kassidy Hulett,
Wearing number 9, centerfielder Marilynn Nesmith,
Wearing number 13, outfielder Lauren Hawkins,
Wearing number 30, pitcher Kimberly Dick, and
Wearing number 34, first baseman Jendayi Wright.
All five will be missed next year. Number 30 is certainly going to leave a big void in next year's pitching rotation. Due to the turmoil caused by the COVID pandemic, I believe all this year's seniors are being extended another year of athletic eligibility. Let's hope all 5 seniors consider returning next year to help lead the Wesleyan Wolves to the first Conference Championship in school history. Come back, ladies…and join the fun!