Feature photo by Shawn Jones
By Sawn Jones
At midseason, the William Peace University softball team is off to one of its strongest starts in recent years. Through consistent play, improved team chemistry, and a focused mindset, the Pacers have positioned themselves as a competitive force heading into the second half of the schedule and diving right into conference games.
A big highlight so far has been the team’s spring break trip to Florida, where they faced high- level competition and gained valuable experience outside of conference play. Senior Marissa Fuller pointed to that trip as a standout moment of the season.
“My favorite moment this year would be going to Florida for spring break,” said Fuller. “I think it was a great opportunity that most teams don’t get to experience, and we also played very well in Florida against great teams.”
Another key contributor, senior Reagan Stewart, reflected on one of the team’s most impressive performances this season.
“My favorite game so far was throwing a no-hitter against the No. 6 team in the country,” Stewart said. “I feel like we have a really solid team. We all have that championship mindset and have worked hard for the team culture that we have built.”
Trips like that are about more than just wins and losses. They test how a team responds to adversity, how players adjust to different levels of competition, and how well they can stay locked in over multiple games.
The Team handled that challenge well, using it as momentum moving forward.
Fuller also emphasized how this year’s start stands out compared to her previous seasons with the program.
“This year I would say we have had the best start we have ever had in the three years I have been here,” she said. “I think if we play calm and collected, we will have a good season.”
That composure has been noticeable for the Pacers this season. Whether it’s at the plate, in the field, or in pressure situations late in games, the team has shown resilience. They’re playing their game, trusting each other, and staying disciplined.
Stewart also spoke on the emotional side of competing in her final season.
“This season has been tough in a different way since it is my senior year,” she said. “Everything has a little bit more emotion in it than past seasons because I know it’s my last one.”
As a senior, Fuller added another perspective on the pressure that comes with closing out a college career.
“I think the toughest challenge I have faced this year would be putting a lot of pressure on my performance because I am graduating this year and I want to end on a high note,” said Fuller.
That’s something many athletes relate to. As a senior athlete, there is often an added weight of wanting to finish strong, not just for themselves, but for their teammates and the program. They want to leave things better than they found them, and while that can bring pressure, it also brings motivation.
From the outside looking in, both Stewart and Fuller have handled that responsibility well and continue to be key pieces of this team’s success. Overall, this group has shown that they have the tools to compete at a high level. The combination of experienced upperclassmen leadership and steady team performance has created a strong foundation.
If they continue to stay composed, play together, and build off the momentum they’ve created, there’s little reason why they can’t make a serious push as the season continues. The second half of the season will ultimately define how far this team can go, but so far, the Pacers have made one thing clear: they’re not just having a good start; they’re building toward something bigger for the program.