Post Florida Trip...

The Bonnies are back in Olean and after a few days to recharge the batteries. I am looking forward to working on just a few things that we need to focus on to move us forward. We have hit a few bumps...some soreness and a loss to the Bona extended family always stirs emotions but I know the ladies will rebound and be ready to go heading into the Tennessee State Tournament next weekend.

As for the Florida trip. Returning with a 7-5 record is the best record a Bonnies team has come home with over the extended break. It is not easy being away for so long and playing so many games in such a short time but the team responded well and with a little more experience, we will turn the close losses into wins.

Winning the Stetson Hatter Classic started the trip out right. The pitching staff was tremendous and Captain Catcher Brooke Frey handled the pitchers masterfully, over that stretch. A pitcher can't throw a shutout without a good catcher behind the plate and the combination of Jen Sansano, Diana Phalon and Brooke Frey threw 3 straight shutouts to start the tournament.

We then faced Mount St. Mary's in a weekday doubleheader and came out with a split. Facing a hard throwing pitcher from The Mount we learned that you can't fall behind in the count or bad things will happen. We rebounded from a 7-0 shutout to a 4-3 win in the night cap.

We went into the North Florida Tournament looking to keep up the winning. McNeese State proved to be a strong opponent but we had our chances against them in 2-0 and 3-0 losses. With a little timely hitting, we would have changed the outcome of both games. Jen Sansano was at her best when she tossed her first career no-hit game in a 6-0 win verses Mount St. Mary's. Brooke Frey called a masterful game and Jen was solid all night long. A loss to Delaware State in the early morning was frustrating but they are a quality team who is favored to win the MEAC this year. Our big win came in a 4-3 score against North Florida. It was our biggest non-conference win in some time. The Bonnies put up a 4 spot in the 5th with big hits from Hali Enderby, Ashley Snider and a big two out hit from sophomore Christine Watson. Diana Phalon did the rest, allowing only 3 runs on 11 hits.

All in all...the Florida trip was very successful and has set us up nice for our next trip. The Bonnies head to Nashville Tennessee to take on Tennessee State, Belmont, Mercer and Ohio State. A good showing there will set us for our Atlantic 10 run that starts in Dayton the following weekend. Until then...one game at a time...one play at a time...one pitch at a time. Practice resumes today! GO BONAS!