Staff writer
After coach Jennifer Felvus saw her team net two mercy-rule victories over rival Bennington, her thoughts went not to the successes her team had, but rather the areas of potential improvement.
“We had moments of brilliance, but to be honest we didn’t play our best softball,” Felvus said. “There was better softball to be played, and honestly even though we won, that’s what’s sticking out in my mind.”
Marion defeated Bennington 18-3 and 16-6 in its two Friday contests.
In the first game, the Warriors jumped to a 7-0 lead in the first inning and never looked back. Pitcher Shelby Felvus kept Bennington in line with 5 strikeouts in her 3 innings of work.
On offense, the Warriors were aggressive on the base paths. In the first inning, they had 5 stolen bases and got 2 bases from a wild pitch. They finished the game with 10 stolen bases.
Felvus said she was happy with the team’s aggression on the base paths. It’s been a bright spot for the team this season.
“Not just tonight, I’ve been really pleased with our aggressive base running,” she said. “The girls have been taking bases when they’re available, they’re making the most of situations. They’re not watching the other plays happen, they’re working.”
In the second game, Felvus made a gut decision to put sophomore Emily Hague on the mound instead of Shelby Felvus.
“When I came into the game I expected to ride Shelby both games,” she said. “I expected to ride my horse. Everyone was a little shocked, but I saw an opportunity.”
She said it’s been a challenge figuring out the pitching equation beyond Shelby Felvus, so it was an opportunity to give Hague her first varsity experience. It was also an opportunity to let Shelby Felvus play shortstop, her secondary position.
Hague responded to the challenge.
“Emily did fantastic, think she stepped up and did really well,” coach Felvus said.
Hague had 3 strikeouts, 6 walks, and 6 hits allowed in 5 innings of work, allowing 4 earned runs of the team’s 6 surrendered. Felvus said she had some hiccups, but kept a level head and battled through it.
“We believed her, so she chose to believe in herself, and she finished like she started,” Felvus said.