After a game filled with cheers and confidence, the Western Connecticut State University women’s softball team gained a 5-1 victory in their doubleheader against Keene State College for the opening game on April 16.

Still fueled by adrenaline from both wins at their doubleheader against the University of Saint Joseph just two days prior, the girls were ready to keep up the hard work. Sarah Milyko, a freshman utility player, credited the team’s unity and determination for the victories. “I think the positive mentality prepared us for the first win we had against them because we were all in a good mood,” Milyko said.

Fans at the game noticed how the women’s team showed their positive attitude through chants as the game progressed and they got closer to the win.

“I feel a shot comin on, shot shot comin on; shot comin on, shot shot comin on!” WestConn women’s softball players hollered from the dugout to hype up the other girls on the

Chants are a tactic the team uses to not only distract opponents, but to hype up the players in the spotlight and keep up a good mood. Karly Vito, a freshman pitcher, said, “It gets everyone in the dugout excited and it gives the batter more confidence in themselves because they know their teammates have their back. It also brings positive energy into the dugout and allows us to relax and have fun playing the game.”

Seeing their teammates play hard and the payoff that follows was indescribable for the girls. When each of the players had their own personal win, the rest of the team did too. This made them not only beam with pride, but also more confident in their chances of winning.

Pitcher Hailey Golembiewski, a WestConn junior, inspired those batting during the game with her skill when stepping up to the pitcher’s mound. Vito added, “[Hailey] recorded nine strikeouts which took a lot of pressure off of our defense.” She wasn’t the only teammate who had the success that hyped the team to play better. Both senior pitcher and second basemen Nicole Antonowicz, who pounded a double, and freshman baseman Amber Roggendorf both scored two runs. Avery Gabrenas, a freshman catcher, also gave a memorable performance to help power the team to victory. She pulled off a suicide squeeze—bunting in a runner from third—that opened even more scoring.

The women’s softball team values not only teamwork, but also friendship. They have created bonds on and off the field that strengthen the team more and more each day. To see how a team that works together wins together, attend their future games and watch for yourself. Their next home game will be on May 5 for the LEC semifinals.