4 minute read

After losing every single softball game last year, the men of Kappa Sigma Tau bounced back from a competitive 7-9 loss to the freshmen by beating Delta Gamma Sigma 20-16. The team is young, scrappy and full of potential.

Offensive stalwarts like Brayden Olson and Buddy Lambert put defenses on their heels, while the infield play of second base Isaiah White and shortstop Sam Hegeman might produce one of the best duos in the league this year. Delta started getting some momentum towards the end of the game, but could not complete the comeback in the end. Some tough losses along the way may threaten their playoff hopes, but Kappa has more than enough talent to sneak in and make some noise.

Another team making an impressive start is the upperclassmen. Going 3-0 with wins over the freshmen, Kappa and Chi, the upperclassmen are now sitting on top of the playoff seeding. Jacob McWatters, Damien Talamantes and Jack Brookshire are just some of the names which have made this team an all star squad. However, the biggest test of their strength will be their game against Delta, where they will need to limit the team’s high power offense if they want to win.

While Kappa appears to be on the rise, the men of Chi Lambda Phi are looking to answer some questions. After years of being unstoppable in softball, Chi has taken not only one, but two huge losses. First came the loss to the upperclassmen 7-15, and then Delta defeated them by a crushing 4-25. Stars of the team have stepped up at times: Carter Neal and Elijah McCarter both knocked in two runs against Delta with home runs. But the team has to figure out a new plan, before time runs out. Chi plays Kappa at 8 p.m. tonight. The winner gets a playoff berth, the loser is done for the season.

Despite the loss few saw coming, Delta continues to dominate the intramural scene with a star-studded roster. Athletic directors Garrett Webster and Troy Pearman’s hard work shows on the field, beating the freshmen 17-0 and dominating Chi 25-4. Ryan Chacon, Luke Ferguson and Jack Briton help round out the roster as well, with speed, hitting and defensive play securing wins in tough games. While Delta has had no issue putting together great teams, they do tend to get in their own heads, and if they do not figure that out soon, they could be in trouble come playoff time. 

As for the freshmen, they sit in a weird spot. The win over Kappa was a good recovery after being shut out by Delta, but it is not a sign of definite contenders. A follow-up win over Chi secures a playoff berth however, and the team can now focus on cleaning up mistakes. The team is still young with no stand outs yet, but if they keep winning games, they can make the playoffs as well as some noise there. 

Intramural Athlete of the Week: Buddy Lambert (Kappa Sigma Tau)

Buddy Lambert was everything and more for Kappa in their crucial win over Delta. The senior held down the fort at third base, poked holes in the Delta outfield and provided consistent pitching for his team which allowed his teammates to step up as well. Lambert has really gone above and beyond this year it seems, and he will be a deciding factor in games to come for Kappa.   

First Runner-Up: Troy Pearman (Delta Gamma Sigma)

The former football protégée has recently taken up softball and made an immediate impact for Delta as well. In their game against Chi, Pearman only hit home runs and was consistently puncturing the gaps in Chi’s outfield. Even when he stumbled out the gate against Kappa, Pearman found himself and helped get the team back in the game. Pearman will be a top batting threat going into the playoffs and a player opposing teams need to watch if they want to beat Delta.

Second Runner-Up: Jacob McWatters (Upperclassmen)

The concern with power hitters in this league is they hit the ball too high up in the air, allowing the extra outfielder to catch an easy pop fly. McWatters is more than, however, as he also has incredible placement, allowing him to cut through any defense like butter. The upperclassmen have a great opportunity to take the one seed going into the playoffs, and McWatters is the one to thank for that.