By Lindsey Soet
The Grand Rapids Community College softball team has high expectations for this season, as they won the Michigan Community College Athletic Association (MCCAA) North Conference Championship title last season, finishing with a record of 25-18.
GRCC started off the season with their annual Florida training trip, playing nine games over the span of a week. The Raiders played the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division I, Division II, National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Division I, and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II junior varsity (JV) teams.
The training trip began with a brutal five-inning loss against NJCAA Division I team Tallahassee Community College, 14-0 on Feb. 25. Later that day, the Raiders played NJCAA Division I Seminole State College of Florida, where they fell short in a close 3-1 game.
GRCC then traveled to Claremont, Florida to play their seven remaining games. On Feb. 28, the Raiders faced off against NJCAA Division II team Oakland Community College, losing 18-2 in a five-inning game. Later that day, GRCC played St. Johns River Community College, a NJCAA Division I school, where they lost 4-1.
The following day, GRCC played against NAIA Division I team Ohio Christian University, and lost 6-0. Fortunately, the Raiders caught a break later on Feb. 29, securing their first win of the season against the NCAA Division II Benedictine University JV team, 14-9. GRCC’s winning streak continued into March 1, as they played Oakland Community College for the second time and won 6-5. The next day, the Raiders played NCAA Division II West Virginia Wesleyan College JV and lost 5-2. GRCC ended their spring training trip with an 8-1 loss against NJCAA Division II team Jackson College.
Following their return home to Grand Rapids, the Raiders played against Grace Christian University on March 13, winning 12-1 and 11-3 in five-inning games. GRCC has a record of 4-7 heading into conference play on March 28.
After the first 11 games,
- Sophomore middle infield/outfield Vanessa Hewitt leads the Raiders with a .313 batting average.
- Freshman outfielder Emily Obenauf leads the team with a .519 slugging percentage and six walks.
- Sophomore catcher/first base player Samara Kolehouse leads the team with 10 hits and nine runs batted in.
- Freshman right-handed pitcher Macey Springer leads the team with 26 strikeouts.
Heading into the 2024 season, the Raiders have seven returning players and seven newcomers, allowing the sophomores to step up into leadership positions on the team. Sophomore third base player Brynn McArthur has welcomed her new responsibilities, stating via text, “…My role has been to be a leader and take (the freshmen) ‘under my wing.’”
Despite half of the team being freshmen, the players have quickly formed a tight bond with each other. “…The team is super jelled, these girls enjoy being around each other,” said head coach Chuck White.
McArthur agreed, sharing that the team is a very tight-knit group. “Although we have a lot of freshmen, everyone just clicked right away. This has been one of the closest teams I’ve been on,” she said.
A major factor behind GRCC’s training trip struggles was player injuries. Three players were unable to participate in the spring training trip, one being freshman catcher and shortstop Maddi Miller, who according to White is “…definitely an emerging leader,” on the team as well as one of the best players. These injuries forced players to play positions that they don’t normally play, such as McArthur, who had to play shortstop for part of the trip as opposed to her normal third base position.
Heading into the conference opener against Delta College, the Raiders will have their entire roster healthy and able to compete, Coach White is feeling good about their matchup against the Pioneers. “I feel pretty good,” White said, “Our defense really stepped up down in Florida…We’re getting better every day.”
McArthur is equally optimistic about Thursday’s match, as well as all of GRCC matches this season. “I am feeling very well about our upcoming games,” McArthur stated, “I feel if we play smart and have the mindset (that) we’re going to win every game. We will be in a good spot.”
The Raiders will host Delta College in their double-header conference opener on Thursday, March 28 at Belknap Park at 2 and 4 p.m.
