Although spring weather is just arriving at Saint Louis University, the SLU softball team is already nearing the midpoint of its season.
The Billikens have played a tough schedule thus far as their 6-16 record shows; however, head coach John Conway remains optimistic about the season.
“Despite our record we have played well,” Conway said.
While the Billikens had hoped to have a few more wins at this point in the season, they are confident that their tough schedule has prepared them for Atlantic-10 conference play, which begins this weekend.
Last season, the Billikens surprised many by placing fourth in the Atlantic-10, and the team is again picked to finish fourth behind Massachusetts, Charlotte and Fordham, respectively; however, the Billikens are once again hoping to surprise critics and finish near the top of the Atlantic-10 standings.
“My goals are still the same [as at the beginning of the season]. I think we can finish in the top three,” Conway said.
The Billikens will begin their Atlantic-10 schedule Saturday, as they play host to St. Bonaventure in a doubleheader. These games will be the Billikens’ first home games of the 2009 season and begin an eight game home-stand for the team.
“[The season] has been tough, but I’m excited about being at home,” Conway said.
St. Bonaventure is also struggling at the beginning of its season, having won only two games. Of their 11 losses, eight have been shutouts. However, the Billikens are expecting two hard-fought games as St. Bonaventure returns six position players and two pitchers from last year’s team, which placed second in the Atlantic-10.
“They’re off to a rough start. Despite their record they’ll be tough for us this weekend, but I’ll be disappointed if we don’t win both games,” John Conway.
Last season, the two teams split their series-St. Bonaventure won the first game 3-1, and SLU won the second game 1-0.
After this weekend’s doubleheader, the Billikens will face three other teams during the home-stand, and Conway believes the team can sweep all these games. While Conway labels himself as an “optimist,” the confidence Conway and the team exude will be key to overcoming the team’s early season struggles and performing well in Atlantic-10 play.
