3 minute read

Gamma Rho is a force to reckon with this year, staying undefeated and not allowing over 10 runs in a single softball game before the playoffs. The roster is packed with talent from top to bottom, including star athletes such as Katie McCullock, Natalie Smith, Shaylee McCandles and Joanna Hunter, to name a few. The team has cruised through the season, with the only tight game being against the upperclassmen so far. 

Also going undefeated are the women of Lambda Chi Zeta. Lambda kicked the season off with a scary opener against Theta Theta Theta but pulled through at the end to win the game. Mattie Baird, Olivia Hampton and Anna Strother helped lead the way, leaving Lambda one win away from taking the one seed from Gamma in the playoffs. 

While the upperclassmen lack the wins Lambda and Gamma have, they have created a strong roster which can compete with anyone. They bounced back from a tough loss to Lambda by beating Theta and forced extra innings on Gamma thanks to players like Sydney Hampton, Madeline Dimmit and Addie Neal, among others. If they can improve their batting, the upperclassmen will be an unstoppable force once playoffs begin.

Theta suffered a couple of tough losses this season, which put them in a dire position going into the playoffs. Their roster is competitive and can make runs, but the margin for error is minimal at best. They are set to play the freshmen with the playoffs on the line, so expect Allie Neilson and Blaine Bruton to step up for Theta. 

Speaking of the freshmen, not much has been seen from them yet.Currently, their record is 0-2 which is less than ideal. The team will need to find themselves before their game against Theta or else they could be heading home early. 

Intramural Athlete of the Week: Natalie Smith (Gamma Rho)

Smith is no stranger to this award, even if its format has changed slightly. The senior former athletic director excelled in multiple positions throughout the tight game against the upperclassmen, and her clutch single in their extra innings game put her in the perfect position to help give Gamma the win. Gamma plays Lambda at 8 p.m. Sept. 19 so expect Smith to be ready to play.

First Runner-Up: Sydney Hampton (Upperclassmen)

Not much was known about Hampton’s softball skills going into the season, as she started school in January and thus missed the season last year. But Hampton’s presence immediately boosted a roster which was somewhat lacking the year prior. Hampton’s fielding and reflexes are top notch, and when paired with great batting and pitching to help her teammates, she becomes an even more formidable foe. With playoffs right around the corner, expect Hampton to be a name to watch for.

Second Runner-Up: Katie McCullock (Gamma Rho)

Teams do not out-score their opponents 40-15 with just one star. Gamma boasts a deep roster right now, and Katie McCullock’s speed is a threat on both offense and defense. McCullock can turn what should be a routine groundout into a single, a single into a triple, and that is only looking at her batting. When fielding, McCullock’s agility and reflexes allow her to cover the outfield with ease, whether it be catching a line drive herself or backing up her teammates in whatever way she can. Gamma is a win away from the top seed in the playoffs, and McCullock will likely be a reason why if they beat Lambda this Thursday.