The softball team has struggled through the beginning of the season as the teams is just two games over .500 with a 9-7 record. However, even though the team has not been performing at a consistent level, senior catcher/third basemen Claudia Cooper has been on top of her game and been a bright spot for the team so far this season.
Last year Cooper posted a .211 batting average and a .307 slugging percentage, but ended the season on a strong note with four game hitting streak. Cooper also was one of only three players on the team to finish the season without error. Cooper’s strong finish last season has continued over into this season.
Cooper is currently hitting at .289 with a .474 slugging percentage. She also has 11 RBI’s on the season, which is second on the team. She credits her improved hitting this season to her work in the offseason where she put in countless hours hitting.
“A lot of work goes into the offseason. A lot of practice off the tee, a lot of practice with the machine and just working with my coaches and a lot of my teammates as well,” Cooper said. “Our teammates help each other out with practices and hitting off the tee and stuff like that. It’s just hard work and my coaches help me out.”
Cooper has also kept up her defense this season as she continued her errorless streak. She is currently sporting a 1.000 fielding percentage
Cooper sees her versatility in the field as a great advantage to the team. Her ability to play multiple positions gives her coach many options.
“Just playing different positions is basically a little more vital to the team. If somebody gets hurt, I’m always there to fill into certain positions where coach needs me to be,” Cooper said.
Cooper said she never knows what to expect or where coach Lisa Navas may play her. She said that she has to be ready to come in at any point in the game and step into any position, whether she is playing or not.
“It’s just keeps me busy, keeps my mind rolling and it keeps me loving the game as much as I do,” Cooper said.
Even though the team has gotten off to a rough start, Cooper said she believes that the team can make the necessary adjustments going forward to right the ship and make an impact the rest of the season.
“The games that we have lost have been a result of us just making mistakes here and there, but they’re also mistakes that can be fixed,” Cooper said.
According to Cooper, her firm belief in herself, teammates, and coaches will push this team forward in the regular season. She said that as the season progresses on into conference play, they will be where they want to be.
“We [have to] trust ourselves, trust our teammates, trust our coaches. I think we’ll be on target as far as ACC comes along. I think we’re [going to] be alright,” Cooper said.
