Emma Bintu Tarawally – The Transcript

Softball swings for postseason

Senior Danielle Haley throws a strike against Wittenberg April 13 at Margaret Sagan Field. Photo by Mike Serbanoiu

Bishop softball is in full swing and ready to take on the NCAC tournament.

Sophomore Lilly Gresh said the team plans to make it to the tournament, and win.

“We most definitely have the talent and passion to go into the tournament and dominate against anyone that we play,” she said.

Junior Brooke Warner agreed with Gresh, and said you can’t overlook anyone in conference tournament play.

“It’s always anyone’s game no matter what the records are going into the match up, or the history of the programs,” Warner said. “So, taking every game one pitch at a time allows us to celebrate the small victories that get us where we want to be. We just strive to get better every inning.”

With a 9-1 home record, Warner said the team’s confidence level is high.

“I just think it’s easier to bring that mentality when we are playing at our house, with our fans, and all the other familiarities that allow us to relax and just play,” she said. “We are working on transitioning this mentality to road games too, and we are making true progress. “

According to Warner, all of the struggles the team faces during away games are mental, and the fact that most away games fields are quieter than they are used to.

“We don’t have a very secluded field, so at home we are constantly fighting the noise of the traffic, but that’s what keeps our dugout loud and our heads in the game on the field,” Warner said. “Sometimes when we are away, we allow the atmospheres of other fields dictate our intensity level and therefore we tend to lose focus or play a little timid.”

Gresh agreed and said the team gets excited to play at home for several reasons.

“You are playing in your comfort zone on your own turf, and most importantly, you have home-field support from your family, friends, and fans,” she said. “When playing at home, you want to defend what is yours and not let other teams defeat you on your own ground, so in turn, your adrenaline starts pumping and you play harder.”

Softball sets sights for season

Bishop Softball is back in action and ready to take on NCAC tournament play.

Coach Cassie Cunningham said she expects to see the girls working hard in practice and always showing good sportsmanship.

“I expect them to hold each other to a higher standard on and off the field so we can achieve things together,” Cunningham said. “I expect each of our athletes to discover and develop leadership strength and use it to make everyone else on the team better. I expect them to always keep the team first and their individual success second.”

The season record to date is 10-5.

Danielle Haley, the team has established several short-term goals to help them achieve their main goal: the conference tournament.

“We make little goals so that we focus on the process and take this season one step at a time instead of just focusing on one huge goal and putting too much pressure on ourselves,” Haley said.

Sophomore Lilly Gresh agreed, and added she has high expectations for the team.

“As a whole, we work incredibly hard and we have put in the work to be successful,” she said.

“I know that my team is very capable of achieving great things and being very successful this season. We have proven that we are a force to be reckoned with in and out of conference, and I expect that this year’s team will be one to be remembered and will make a name for Ohio Wesleyan Softball.”

Annual date auction attendance dwindles

Senior Samantha Walter laughs while bidders at the Rafiki Wa Afrika date auction bid on her to benefit the Ghana Student Education Fund. Photo by Spenser Hickey — Senior Samantha Walter laughs while bidders at the Rafiki Wa Afrika date auction bid on her to benefit the Ghana Student Education Fund.
Photo by Spenser Hickey

Students were auctioned off all in the name of charity last Thusday for Rafiki Wa Africa’s annual date auction.

Junior Sharmalee Gooden, president of Rafiki Wa Africa (Rafiki Wa), said a total of $185 was raised during the date auction.

“The money raised from this and all events hosted by Rafiki wa Afrika goes to the Ghana Student Education fund,” Gooden said. “GSEF provides financial aid to students who cannot afford to go school.”

Freshman Jocelyn Munoz said she decided to volunteer to be in the auction because she supported the cause.

“I put myself in (the children’s) shoes and realize how a few hours of my day can make a difference in their lives,” said Munoz. “Plus, I thought it would be fun.”

The Transcript - Feb. 20, 2014 (1)_Page_4_Image_0003 — Senior Marilyn Baer points to her sister, Elise, who was up for sale at the auction.
Photo by Spenser Hickey

Sophomore Mary Peterson had a similar reason as to why she decided to participate.

“I have several friends in Rafiki, and I enjoy supporting their cause,” she said. “Also, I participated last year by buying someone, so I thought it would be fun to be on the other side.”

Among those who were auctioned off for the cause were senior Samantha Walter, sophomores, Abby Hanson and Mary Peterson and freshmen Elise Baer and Jocelyn Munoz.

Walter said her boyfriend won the auction when she was up for bidding.

“He graciously bid $30 on me, which goes directly to charity,” she said. “We attended the date party the night of the auction and it was so much fun! They had food and drinks and it was nice to just spend an hour with him, not worrying about homework or anything else.”

Baer’s experience wasn’t based so much on a romantic undertone, but rather a familiar one.

“My older sister actually outbid my boyfriend,” Baer said. “Marilyn (Baer’s sister) and I had a lovely dinner together which was great, because we do not get to spend a lot of time together, so this was a great opportunity.”

According to some in attendance, Rafiki’s auction did not have as strong a turn out or organizational feel as it has in the past.

Freshman Jocelyn Munoz smiles at a bidder. Photo by Spenser Hickey — Freshman Jocelyn Munoz smiles at a bidder.
Photo by Spenser Hickey

“In my opinion, the date auction didn’t go as smoothly as past years,” Walter said. “However they still raised almost $200 for the charity, which is great.”

Gooden said the low attendance of just about 35 people was anticipated.

“It was expected since the event was on a Thursday and not many people are in HamWill at the time,” she said.

Walters said the dates bought in auction were held in Crider Lounge later that night.

“Rafiki Wa had Chartwells cater the date event; they served appetizers and everyone mingled while we ate,” said Walters. “They did a great job making it such a cool atmosphere.”