Softball, like baseball, is associated with spring and summer - warm days, a green field, sunlight bathing players and fans alike.  But even though the Montreat College softball team began its 2010 season in relatively warm Savannah, Georgia, the Cavaliers' play reflected the snowy February we've been experiencing back in the mountains: like the weather, the Cavs' bats were cold and the defense was sluggish.

Trouble came early and plagued the Cavs during a 4-game set over the weekend of February 6-7 as Montreat faced Armstrong Atlantic University, Brenau University, and the Savannah College of Art and Design and came away with an 0-4 record.

Game one started inauspiciously as Armstrong Atlantic University, the host team for this game, scored 2 runs in the bottom of the first inning, 1 in the second, and 5 in the third.  That 8-0 score, achieved largely behind three Pirate home runs, became the final as the game was called after Montreat failed to score in the top of the fifth inning.  Junior pitcher Nicole Denney took the loss.

Head Coach Lee Swanson was somewhat philosophical about the opening loss and, in fact, the difficulties his team underwent over the long weekend.  "It was evident that this weekend's games were about getting outside on a softball field and getting in some time as a team."  

The second game of the Saturday slate pitted Montreat against nationally-ranked Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), and despite some signs of offensive life, the Cavaliers fell to the Bees 11-5.  Junior pitcher Rachel Stowe was saddled with the loss, but she also sparked the offense with 2 hits and 2 runs batted in.  Junior center fielder Jamie Lokken hit a home run and added 2 RBI as well.  Swanson noted his team's improved play but lamented the Bees' ten stolen bases.

Games 3 and 4 shifted across Savannah to SCAD's home field, where Montreat first faced Brenau University of Gainesville, Georgia.  The Golden Tigers downed the Cavs 10-1, scoring 3 in the top of the 1st and 2nd innings in a game that was called after five innings.  Defensive miscues allowed Brenau some unearned runs early and Montreat couldn't generate the offense needed to fight back.  Freshman second baseman Kristine Valdez drove in Montreat's run with an RBI double.

The weekend ended with a 10-2 defeat at the hands of SCAD as Montreat allowed 14 hits and committed 4 errors (their 10th in the four games) in falling to the powerful Bees.  Coach Swanson saw the benefits of traveling to a city that wasn't covered in snow and ice and getting his squad battle-ready.  The losses didn't make for an ideal start to a season, but he realizes there are dozens of games remaining.  "We have to get back to work and fix some things, but the key to the weekend was getting some games played outdoors and remembering what it's like to be in competitive conditions."