TACOMA, Wash. - The Pacific Lutheran University Softball team is preparing for the weekend's competition at George Fox University, where they are looking to continue their winning streak against conference opponents.
After sweeping Willamette University on April 6 & 7, the Lutes have a challenge ahead of them as they take on the Bruins, who sit at 19-11 (11-8 NWC). The Lutes sit at 18-15 overall and 9-11 in conference, so they are looking to improve to a winning record in conference.
Senior
Samantha Simundson has seen the PLU team through seasons of success and seasons of struggle, but has a positive outlook going into this weekend.
"We are coming off of last weekend very strong. I'm proud of every single person on this team because everyone contributed to the wins we got. We had a rough start to our season, but we've been slowly climbing the mountain and our hard work is showing in the results we are getting."
The Lutes have had a tumultuous season, with sequences of wins and losses. However, this has not discouraged the team.
"Softball is a huge mental sport and when you go through slumps, it can be so hard to pull out of it," said Simundson. "I've learned that I just need to enjoy every minute I get to do the things I love. And right now, what I love is being on the field with my friends playing softball, because those moments won't last forever."
As the Lutes prepare to take on the Bruins in Newberg, Oregon, Simundson had a chance to reflect on her time at PLU, as well as offering up some advice to future Lutes.
"My advice for future Lutes coming in is to find something that you love doing and do it," said Simundson. "College is going to be tough. You are going to be stressed, go through periods of sadness, possibly depression, and have anxieties to deal with. All this on top of the workload of classes, work, extracurricular activities, etc. That is a lot to deal with, so when you have something to escape to, it makes college go a little easier. Softball has always been my escape and my teammates have always been there for me when I have needed them. No matter what you're going through, doing something you love and having a good social support can always make things a little better."
The Lutes travel down to Newberg, Oregon to take on the Bruins. Game 1 of the series starts on Saturday, April 13 at 12 p.m.
