While many students were trudging around in snow boots this past weekend on campus, the women's softball team were basking in the sun with their cleats in Plant City, Fla., last weekend.
But this was no spring break leisure trip. The team faced four competitors in two days. Over the weekend, the Bulls faced off against Boston University and Illinois State on Saturday, and took on Harvard and Michigan State on Sunday, losing both nightcaps while winning both openers.
"When we travel to Florida we are playing tough competitors and nationally ranked teams," said head coach Marie Curran.
On Saturday, the Bulls (4-4) continued what has been a trend for them of late and split doubleheaders. The Bulls came out with solid pitching in the first contest against Boston University, defeating the Terriers 9-4.
On the mound for the Bulls against the Terriers was junior pitcher Sophie Barstad, who completed her third straight decision with the victory. Barstad was on the mound all seven innings and played a crucial role in the win for the Bulls, striking out the last two Boston batters.
With the win, Barstad's ERA improved to 2.02 and she remained the top pitcher on the roster with an overall record of 3-1.
Bulls pitchers struggled as they were pummeled by Illinois State in the second game of the doubleheader on Saturday 11-0. Illinois State came out swinging with 11 runs in just five innings, most of them coming in the fourth and fifth innings. Newcomer Dana Carter saw action for the first time on the mound in the doubleheader.
"Our pitchers struggled in the circle against Illinois State and gave up 11 walks," Curran said.
On Sunday, Buffalo played Harvard and Michigan State. The Bulls clashed with Harvard first and took home the win, 4-3. This was the first win for the Bulls without Barstad on the mound and Carter's first of her career.
Sophomore third baseman Laura Kor drove in three runs while freshman leftfielder Erin Zilka hit the first homerun of her career.
Zilka is batting .381 for the Bulls and has four RBIs on the season. She has been to bat 21 times and leads the team in hits with eight.
"The freshmen are getting older and starting to realize that they can play at this level," Curran said.
The Bulls fell to Michigan State, 5-1, in the second game of the doubleheader on Sunday.
The Bulls gave Michigan State extra chances with errors.
"The adjustment from practicing on hardwood and playing on dirt and turf has been training for our defense," Curran said.
The Bulls recorded their only run in the game during the fourth inning after Zilka drove in junior first baseman Colleen Greene from second base. The Bulls had a chance to get back in the game, but couldn't capitalize with runners in scoring position.
Buffalo will now travel to one of the largest tournaments they will take part in all season, the Adidas Tournament held in Clearwater, Fla. The Bulls begin play on Thursday, March 9 against Temple at 1 p.m.
Following the Temple contest, the Bulls will face the Tennessee Lady Vols, who are currently ranked third in the nation. That game is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m.
"I think our expectations are high and we are confident every game," Curran said. "The girls are trained and used to these four-game weekends."
Photo: Courtesy of Matthew Messina, from the RMBERS' Instagram page
