By Kristi McDevitt
Sports Contributor
The Oxford Varsity Softball team opened the 2005 season last at home on Wednesday against the Romeo Bulldogs. Romeo’s pitching proved too much for the Ladycats as they were defeated 5-0.
Oxford’s defense held strong behind senior pitcher Amber Cervantez for the first 4 innings before allowing Romeo to score 4 runs in the fifth. The Ladycat’s offense struggled at the plate and remained hitless for the night.
Last Friday, Oxford hosted the Richmond Blue Devils in the second non-league match of the season. In the first game, Cervantez had 7 strikeouts, and a good defensive effort fell just short of the win as the Blue Devils defeated Oxford 2-0.
Senior Jessica Anhel, Junior Lindsay Nieman, and Sophomore Amanda Jolly each had a hit a piece.
In the nightcap, Oxford had a tough first inning allowing Richmond to score 4 runs, and then another 3 runs in the second. Richmond’s lead didn’t deter the Ladycats from chipping away at the 7 run deficit.
The Ladycats scored a run in the second inning, and then another in the fourth.
The Ladycats held the Blue Devils scoreless in the last three innings and had a huge rally in the bottom of the seventh, but couldn’t pull out the win.
‘Oxford fought a tough senventh inning, but couldn’t rebound from Richmond’s first inning,? said Head coach Sue Roeher.
Junior Jamie Badia was 2 for 3 with 2 runs scored. Junior Amanda Christen went 1 for 3 with 2 RBI’s.
Overall, Coach Roeher was pleased with pitcher Amber Cervantez’s control on the mound, even after she had pitched all 14 innings for the Ladycats.
Cervantez only had 1 walk and retired 5 batters in the second game.
Roeher also commended her outfield Amanda Jolly, Jamie Badia, Mary Bono, and Amanda Christen for doing a great job. The loss drops Oxford to a 0-3 record.
The Wildcats were 14-20 and placed third in the FML last year. League play begins April 11 when Oxford hosts the Holly Bronchos.