The beginning of spring quarter ushers in the softball season for the Clark Penguins. Last Friday on the 6th of April Clark took the home field to play the Chemeketa Storm.
The weather was clear on this warm spring day and a large home crowd was in attendance.
The double header started with a flurry of hits by the Storm as the rolled in the runs against the Clark defense.
Clark’s fielders looked to be shaking off the cob webs. In the first game Clark struggled to be in position and came up short several times when running down ground balls and pop flies.
The Chemeketa pitcher Stephanie Albrecht mowed down the Clark hitters with serious heat and a blistering pace.
Albrecht spent little time on the mound as she retired the side in lumps of three and four batters.
In the bottom of the fourth inning Clark could score a runner when the bases were loaded, but Albrecht preserved her shutout with a commanding performance.
“I have been pitching since 11.” said Albricht.
The Chemeketa bench maintained a rhapsody of chants from the dug out during the entire match.
“Our team chants are based in tradition,” said Albricht.
Lindsey Braun the Chemeketa Storm Coach said “I played for the storm 2002 through 2003 we learned the same chants then.”
Clark Coach Kasey Powers hopes to start traditions at Clark 1% at a time.
“If we improve 1% each day of practice then in thirty days we’ll be thirty percent better” said Powers.
The season mantra was printed on the back of his t-shirt and could also be seen on other players not eligible to play but in the dug out.
“We are still looking for players,” said Powers “the roster could grow.”
In the season opener Clark had to forfeit their second game due to injuries.
Kelsey Scanlan, who play with a visible niggling injury is a team leader.
“We are happy to be here,” said Scanlan “we have worked hard and coming up short is too bad, Kellie Preheim moved here from Kalama to play for Clark.”
Clark team leader and returning sophomore Scanlan is happy to be coached by Powers.
“He is very positive and good about keeping the girls focused,” said Scanlan “He wants us to know that college is about academics and our careers.”
Jamie Perdew a freshman from Camas pitched for Clark in the first game to a 0-12 loss.
Stephanie Robey a sophomore from South Albany pitched for Clark in the second game for a 0-16 loss.
Martha Perdew relieved in both games.
Coach Powers said “We haven’t had a chance to warm up our pitchers and give them time to pitch, some of the girls are playing new positions because of the short roster.”Clark has a losing record of 0-4.