Softball plays fall ball at Sophomore Showcase

PORTLAND, Ore.-- Clark fans had the chance to see their potential softball team take the field Saturday in Portland.

The Softball Sophomore Showcase, held at Delta Park East, featured 21 teams from throughout Washington and Oregon. The event, held long before softball season kicks off in March, was a way for coaches to evaluate players' strengths and pinpoint areas that need improvement.

"This is the fifth year we've been in the Showcase," head coach Kasey Powers said. "We are mainly looking to see who can play and perform."

Games began at 8 a.m., though Clark did not have a game until 4 p.m.. The sun shone brightly when the Penguin women played against Columbia Basin, Walla Walla and Centralia.

According to Powers, six of the 18-20 prospective players from the Showcase are returning from last year's team.

"We hope to have a final roster set by February," Powers said.

With many new faces and several cuts needed by the beginning of the season, Saturday gave the players a chance to prove themselves.

Powers placed Michele Westmoreland on the mound for the Penguins' first game, against Columbia Basin. Following a quick 1-2-3 first inning, Westmoreland walked three batters in the second and struggled with control throughout the third.

"We have some stuff to work on," Powers said of Westmoreland. "Her pitches seem to float on her, but she's doing better."

Westmoreland was relieved by her catcher, Ashley Trump, after giving up nine runs through the first three innings. Trump gave up two runs on a couple of walks and a double. Clark's bats were fairly silent throughout the game, managing four hits.

"I felt tired out there. It's been 14 years since I last pitched," Westmoreland said. "I know what I need to work on, though. I know what I need to do."

The second game matched the Penguins against the Walla Walla Warriors. Clark's returning sophomore, Lindsey Sasse, started the game and gave up six runs through five innings.

The Penguins scored their first run of the day in the first inning, taking a 1-0 lead against Walla Walla on some fielding errors. Clark managed several hits this game, but had difficulty driving runners in, falling to the Warriors 6-1.

"Everyone on that team can hit," Clark shortstop Brooke Helot said. "We did well defensively, which really helped against a strong team like (Walla Walla)."

The sun receded below the horizon for the final game, pitting the Centralia Trailblazers against the Lady Penguins.

Freshman Kenzie Graber held the Trailblazers to three runs over five innings. Offensively, Clark benefited from several miscues by Centralia's starting pitcher, including four passed balls in the first inning and another in the second, because runners were allowed to advance.

Clark outfielder Cami Langdon, exhibited the first flash of power from Clark's hitters by belting a double to deep left field in the second inning, driving in a run. The final score favored the Penguins 4-3, when the game was called just short of the sixth inning.

"It's cool to get some work in this early," returning sophomore Tessa Stroda said. "We have a lot of new players and we can see how they'll all fit in with the team."

"Fall is really relaxed," assistant coach Sara Ross said. "We aren't going to change anything for a few months. We will meet later with a list of what we need to work on, though. These games help with that."

Contact Kevin Dowdell at lifeeditor@students.clark.edu