Shrock named Player of the Week for Region VI
Hesston College freshman shortstop Erika Shrock (Sarasota, Fla.) has been named Region VI Division II Player of the Week for her recent efforts on the softball field. During back-to-back double headers on March 2 and 3, Shrock batted a combined 6-14 with six RBI and three extra base hits.
In the second game against Region VI rival Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College on Tuesday, March 2, Shrock blasted a pair of home runs, knocking in all four runs in a key early season 4-2 Hesston win.
“Erika has been huge for us this year,” said coach Andrew Sharp. “She’s playing a great defensive shortstop and providing a big bat in the heart of the order.”
The Larks are 5-4 through nine games, with a 3-3 conference record.
Larks split at Sterling; now 5-4 as spring break nears
In the final action before spring break, the Hesston College softball team split a double header with Sterling (Kan.) College JV on Wednesday night (March 3), dropping the opener 3-0 before winning the nightcap by a 5-2 score.
The Larks’ offense struggled to get anything going in game one as the loss evened their record at 4-4. Starter Kristi Sheets (Lakewood, Colo.) allowed just four hits in a complete game effort, while Erika Shrock (Sarasota, Fla.) went 2-3 with a pair of singles.
In game two, The Larks found themselves trailing 1-0 in the bottom of the fourth when a key defensive play by centerfielder Samantha Brouwer (Moundridge, Kan.) sparked a rally. With runners on first and second and one out, Brouwer raced to her left and made a spectacular diving catch on a fly ball to right-center field, then fired to second base to record another out as the Sterling runner had strayed too far off the bag.
Leading off the next inning, Brouwer laced a single to center, and consecutive doubles by Chandelle Dacosin (Kaneohe, Hawaii) and Shrock gave Hesston a 2-1 lead. The Larks would tack on two more runs that inning, and added a run in the seventh on an RBI double by Lauren Franz (Hesston, Kan.) to set the final score.
Dacosin worked a complete game to earn her second win in as many days for Hesston, now 5-4 on the season.
Following spring break, the Larks will head to Iola, Kansas, for a Region VI double header against Allen County Community College, on Saturday, March 20.
Shrock’s big day gives Larks double header split
The Hesston College softball team traveled to Hutchinson, Kansas, on Tuesday, March 02, for a Region VI double-header versus Hutchinson Community College. The Larks lost the first game, 4-2, but came back for a 4-2 win in game two on the strength of two home runs by freshman shortstop Erika Shrock (Sarasota, Fla.).
 Shrock blasted a pair of home runs in a 4-2 Hesston win in game two. |
Starter Kristi Sheets (Lakewood, Colo.) contributed another solid effort in the circle for the Larks, tossing a complete game four-hitter with just two earned runs allowed.
The Larks struck first in game two, as Shrock smacked a deep first-inning homer to left for an early 1-0 lead. Then, with two outs in the third and runners on second and third, Shrock lined a 1-0 pitch over the left-center field wall for a 4-0 Hesston lead.
Game two starter Chandelle Dacosin (Kaneohe, Hawaii) made the early lead hold up, as she pitched shutout ball through five innings and ended with a complete game victory, her first collegiate win. Dacosin struck out seven and didn’t walk a batter to help the Larks to the win.
Hesston, now 4-3 on the year (3-3 in conference), will hit the road again on Wednesday, March 3, for a non-conference double header against Sterling (Kan.) College. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m.
Extra-inning thriller gives Hesston home-opener sweep
The Hesston College softball team picked up a pair of wins on Saturday afternoon (Jan. 27), beating Cloud County Community College (Concordia, Kan.) 3-1 in game one, then winning the nightcap by a 6-5 score on the strength of an eighth inning walk-off single.
In the opener, Hesston starter Kristi Sheets (Lakewood, Colo.) was dominant, allowing a run on four hits while striking out three to pick up the complete-game win. Sheets didn’t allow a hit until a leadoff single in the fifth.
After falling behind 1-0, Hesston tied the score in the sixth on a solo home run to left by freshman shortstop Erika Shrock (Sarasota, Fla.), and then took the lead on RBI’s by Lauren Franz (Hesston, Kan.) and Alyssa Steiner (Kidron, Ohio). Sheets slammed the door shut with a 1-2-3 seventh to end game one.
In game two, RBI’s by Shrock and Kenzie Jones (Hyde Park, Utah) gave the Larks an early 2-0 lead, which was extended to 3-0 in the Hesston third inning when Jones singled home pitcher Chandelle Dacosin (Kaneohe, Hawaii).
In the circle, Dacosin was in complete command, retiring the first 11 Cloud County batters before a walk and three straight two-out hits tied the score at 3-3 after four frames. The freshman righty finished out the fifth before Sheets was called on to finish things out. Each team scored a pair of runs to tie the score at 5-5, and that’s where it stayed until the bottom of the eighth.
With no one on base, Brittani Walters (Oxford, Kan.) coaxed a two-out walk, and moved to second on a Dacosin single. Samantha Brouwer (Moundridge, Kan.) then placed a perfect bunt down the third base line to bring Shrock to the plate, who lined a 1-0 pitch into left field for the dramatic 6-5 win.
Dacosin and Shrock had three hits apiece in game two, while Sheets earned her second win of the day with three innings of relief.
“I was thrilled with our effort,” said Hesston head coach Andrew Sharp. “We’ve jumped out of the gate with great defense and pitching so far this season; today was a big confidence booster for our group.”
The double header sweep moves Hesston to 3-2 on the year, 2-2 in conference play. Up next, a key Region VI matchup against Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College on Tuesday, March 2nd, beginning at 2 p.m.
Late homer gives Cowley 1-0 win, sweep over Hesston
After falling 8-1 in the first game of a double header versus Cowley College (Arkansas City, Kan.), the Hesston College softball team fought to a scoreless tie late in game two before a late solo home run gave the Tigers the win.
Freshman right-hander Chandelle Dacosin (Kaneohe, Hawaii) threw a gem in game two, allowing just four hits in a complete-game effort. Offensively, Dacosin had a pair of singles in three trips to the plate for the Larks.
Ranked fifth in the pre-season National Junior College Athletic Association Division II poll, Cowley jumped out a 4-1 lead after the first inning in the opener, and added a three-run home run late to put the game out of reach. Hesston started Kristi Sheets (Lakewood, Colo.) held the Tigers at bay for the most part, surrendering four earned runs through six innings while striking out six.
Freshman Samantha Brouwer (Moundridge, Kan.) enjoyed a three-for-three day in game one off Cowley starter and University of Kansas signee Ashley Spencer, including an RBI single in the first inning to give Hesston a brief 1-0 lead.
Now 1-2 on the year, Hesston will look to bounce back with a home double-header versus Cloud County Community College (Concordia, Kan.) on Saturday, February 27, beginning at 1 p.m.
Sheets, Franz push Hesston past Tabor in softball opener
Freshman Kristi Sheets (Lakewood, Colo.) worked six innings in her college debut, allowing five hits and two runs while striking out five to propel the Hesston College softball team to a 6-2 road win over Tabor College JV (Hillsboro, Kan.) in the season opener for the Larks. Lauren Franz (Hesston, Kan.) had three singles on the day, knocking in one run and scoring another to lead the Hesston offense.
 Sheets scattered 5 hits over 6 innings to earn the win in her collegiate debut. |
Kenzie Jones (Hyde Park, Utah) ended the day with two hits, including a double and a run scored, while fellow freshman Erika Shrock (Sarasota, Fla.) went one-for-three with a double, one run scored and one batted in. Sophomore Amber Repp (Valley Center, Kan.) walked twice and scored a pair of runs. As a team, the Larks played error-free softball on defense while swiping six bases in seven attempts on offense.
“I was pleased how we came out and battled back to get a win,” said Hesston coach Andrew Sharp. “It’s a good start to the year; Kristi was around the plate all day and our defense played great behind her. It feels good to get the first one in the books.”
Hesston is scheduled for a road double-header against Sterling College JV (Sterling, Kan.) on Monday, February 22, beginning at 2 p.m.
Larks ready to take the field for the 2010 campaign
Plenty of new faces make up the Hesston College
softball roster as the start of the 2010 season nears. First-year head
coach Andrew Sharp will rely on ten freshmen and one sophomore as the
Larks look forward to a challenging 37-game schedule.
Newcomers include catchers Kenzie Jones (Hyde Park, Utah) and Lauren Franz (Hesston, Kan.), and infielders Chandelle Dacosin (Kaneohe, Hawaii), Erika Shrock (Sarasota, Fla.), Alyssa Steiner (Kidron, Ohio), Jodi Stutzman (Middlebury, Ind.), and Brittani Walters (Oxford, Kan.).
Freshmen Melissa Denton (Anthony, Kan.) and Samantha Brouwer (Moundridge, Kan.), along with returner Amber Repp (Valley Center, Kan.), will be counted on in the outfield for the Larks.
Freshman Kristi Sheets (Lakewood, Colo.), along with Dacosin, will anchor the pitching staff.
Katie Chaffinch ('04 Hesston grad) and former Hesston softball coach Forrest Miller ('85 HC grad) round out this year’s coaching staff. Jones and Shrock will serve as co-captains.
"I’m excited to get the season underway," said Sharp, "We’ve been going against each other for long enough, and I think we’re all anxious to start the season. We’re a young group, but we have enough talent in a few key areas to win plenty of ballgames this year."
The majority of the schedule is comprised of NJCAA Region VI contests, including eight games against nationally ranked opponents. The Larks play double-headers versus Cowley College (Arkansas City, Kan.), Johnson County Community College (Overland Park, Kan.), Pratt Community College (Pratt, Kan.), and Highland Community College (Highland, Kan.), ranked 5th, 8th, 15th, and 19th in NJCAA, Division II pre-season polls.
"There aren’t many places to hide in our region, which is what you want," added Sharp. "Playing great competition will make us better, and our girls are excited about the challenge."
The Larks get started with an away single against Tabor College JV (Hillsboro,
Kan.) on Thursday, February 18.
Sharp announces first two softball signings for 2010 recruiting class
Hesston College softball coach Andrew Sharp has announced the first two signings of the 2010 recruiting class. The newest additions include a power-hitting outfielder/first-baseman from Pennsylvania and a hard-throwing, right-handed pitcher from Oregon.
 Taylor Hoover |
On the volleyball court, Hoover served as team captain, guiding Christopher Dock to its first-ever trip to the state tournament in 2009 while earning team MVP honors.
Aside from athletics, Hoover is an active member of Plains Mennonite Church, where she serves on the fellowship committee and youth-mentor programs.
“Taylor will be a four-year varsity starter for us,” explained Christopher Dock coach Wayne Benner. “She has always been a hard-working team player. Taylor has a strong arm in the outfield and will bring power and a good on-base percentage to the Hesston lineup.”
“Taylor is a special recruit for me in many ways,” Sharp said. “She was the first member of this class to whom we offered a roster spot, and I’ve known her for several years. Taylor is a competitor and will push for playing time immediately. I’m excited to see what she’s capable of.”
Hoover is the daughter of Wendell and Trish Hoover, Souderton, Pa.
 Cynde Postma |
Postma was voted team MVP following her freshman year at Dallas High, and followed that up with consecutive appearances on the 5A Mid-Willamette Conference second team during her sophomore and junior seasons.
In 2009, Postma helped Dallas High to a playoff berth, the first in eight years.
Postma is a member of the Washington Illusion, an 18-under gold travel-ball team out of Kelso, Wash.
A multi-sport athlete, Postma has also participated in volleyball, basketball and the swim team during her time at Dallas High.
A dean’s scholar recipient at Hesston College, Postma is a Scholar Athlete and Senior Class Officer at Dallas High, as well as a National Honor Society member.
“Cynde is an outstanding pitcher,” said Ron Sayer, Postma’s first pitching coach who has been a mentor and part of her softball career for nearly 10 years. “Her work ethic and dedication to softball have clearly paid off. She is a tough competitor and an excellent teammate. Cynde has all the tools to excel at the next level.”
“Signing a quality pitcher early in the recruiting process was a top priority for our staff this off-season,” added Sharp. “After her official campus visit, we felt it was a perfect fit and she immediately went to the top of our list. I’m thrilled to have her in the program. Athletically, she will help us tremendously, and off the field, she will be an asset to our campus community.”
Postma is the daughter of Donna Postma, Dallas, Oregon.