The 2013 season has been great for the Shippensburg University softball team as it added to its already impressive résumé, compiling a 6–2 record in its spring break trip to Clermont, Fla. to push its overall record to 17–4.
The pitching rotation has been a major contribution to the Raiders’ success. Through the last eight games, the rotation has given up only 10 runs. Junior Emily Estep has continued to be the ace of the staff going 7–2 with a 1.61 ERA, and has struck out 65 batters.
Although she has continued to be the ace of the staff there has been other major contributors on the mound for the Raiders. Liz Parkins, and Makenzie Lynn are also having solid seasons with a combined record of 10–2 while also only giving only 14 earned runs.
The hitting has also been a bright spot for the Raiders with senior outfielder Kiersten Darhower leading the team in with a .444 batting average and sophomore outfielder Maddie Justice is tied with a team leading 17 RBIs, along with 23 hits and 2 homeruns.
The work in the field has also been a tremendous help to the pitching staff with the entire Raider squad having a combined .981 fielding percentage and only committing a total of 10 errors through 21 games. Sophomores Emmie Burke and Taylor Weisman have been rock solid up the middle for the Raiders while catchers Taylor Llewellyn and Kirstin McClune have been excellent behind the plate.
The team effort has led to impressive winning streaks, most recently a seven-game winning streak that ended March 22 against the University of Minnesota-Duluth.
SU looks to continue its impressive performance on Saturday when it opens PSAC East play against Kutztown University at 1 p.m. at Robb Field.
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