The start of the varsity softball season is not going according to varsity head coach Kristi McDevitt’s plans.
Oxford has lost all six games to begin the season, including an 8-7 loss to Milford on Monday, April 25.
The Wildcats jumped out to a 4-0 lead on RBI’s from sophomore Autumn Cervantez, junior Cassie Edgemon and freshman Alyson Edgemon.
However, the Wildcats would find themselves trailing 8-4 entering the eighth inning. Hurtado led off the rally with a walk and Cervantez would follow with a single.
Cassie Edgemon would double home both Hurtado and Cervantez and would score when junior Amanda Boyer hit a single.
But it wouldn’t be enough.
‘It was awesome we took the early lead on them and the girls were connecting with the ball all night,? McDevitt said.
The Wildcats would lose game two 5-4.
Freshman pitcher Kyla Kurczewski pitched all 15 innings during the double-header, only giving up nine walks between the two games.
‘Kyla threw strikes and Milford did hit the ball, but our defense held them at bay and backed Kyla up on the mound,? McDevitt said. ‘When our pitcher is throwing strikes, the defense is making plays and the offense is scoring runs, we are capable of beating anyone.?
Walks were the key culprit when the Wildcats opened Oakland Activities Association season with 9-2 and 16-1 losses to Troy Athens on Wednesday, April 13. Wildcat pitchers issued 18 walks between the two losses.
On Wednesday, April 20, Oxford opened up their home portion of the OAA by getting blanked by North Farmington, 16-1 in game one and 9-2 in game two.
Even with the rough start, McDevitt sees some positives her squad can build on.
‘There are a few things that we need to tweak and we are working hard everyday in practice to improve our offense and each game has shown great improvement,? McDevitt.
The Wildcats travel down to Lake Orion High School to battle the Dragons on Wednesday, April 27 and at home against Birmingham Seaholm High School on Monday, May 2.