Cottey Comets softball team starts season 2-2

The Cottey College Comets first softball team finally got to play.

After having its first doubleheader rained out, Cottey took the field against the Fort Scott Community College Greyhounds on Sept. 18, and lost by the scores of 3-1 and 10-2. Undaunted, the Comets traveled to Coffeyville, Kan., on Sept. 22, to face the Coffeyville Community College Red Ravens.

This time, the Comets were victorious, taking both ends of the doubleheader 3-1 and 5-4.

"It's always good to get the first games out of the way," said head coach Greg Tietz of the Fort Scott games. "The players know they let some opportunities slip by and they are ready to do what it takes to get better."

The Comets certainly had their opportunities in both games. In the opener, Tara Mitchell pitched a good game, going the distance and striking out five on the afternoon.

Mitchell helped her own cause by sending one deep for the Comets' first ever homerun. The Comets left most of their scoring chances idle on the base paths as they stranded nine runners in the game -- equally their hit total in the contest.

In the nightcap, the Comets jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead over the Greyhounds, but just as quickly lost it with a series of errors. "Fort Scott did a good job of capitalizing on those errors and played well," said Tietz.

After a week to think about the first games and to practice, the young Comets were eager to take the field again and prove themselves. In the first game, Mitchell again established herself as a top pitcher with another complete game and five strikeouts in the 3-1 victory.

On offense, the Comets stepped it up with five stolen bases on the afternoon. Jennifer Underwood came to the plate with the bases loaded and hit one into the gap in right center to clear the bases. Her three RBIs were all the Comets would need with Mitchell on the hill.

"Our players were very happy to get the first Cottey victory in school history," said Tietz. "We were more aggressive at the plate and on our base running and it paid off. We played error-free ball that game and the defense was very solid."

The second game was a tight battle, with the Comets hanging on for a one-run win, 5-4. Megan Steffens had a complete game with five strikeouts. Amanda Sebree had a good defensive game at second base with seven put-outs and had two key put-outs to end the game.

On offense, the Comets' big guns were Ashley Wilson -- who stole four base and scored two runs -- and Cara Brown with three hits and two RBIs. The Comets could have score more as five runners were left on base, but Tietz is happy to take the win.

"Once again, an overall solid effort and we were glad to win," said Tietz. "We need to continue to make a few routine plays in order to close the game out and not drop some fly balls in foul territory. We will go back to practice this week and continue to get better as a team."

Tietz wanted to remind fans that as a brand new team, the Comets have only freshmen on the squad and they are still learning to play together.

The Comets' fall record is 2-2. Next up is a doubleheader at Coffeyville Community College on Tuesday, Sept. 30. The first game will begin at 3 p.m.