With 30 games left to play in the 2021 season, the Maple Leaf softball team has compiled a 12-10 overall record, while going 2-6 in conference play.

While the Leafs have struggled to pick up wins at home with a record of 2-4, they’ve competed well on the road with an away record of 6-6, and are undefeated in neutral locations at 4-0.

The Leafs offense is led by Jolie Groeneveld, who currently bats .443, has 18 runs, 27 hits, and is tied for second on the team in runs-batted-in with 14. Senior catcher Rianna Koteles ranks second on the team in batting average at .349. She has 11 runs, 22 hits, and 16 RBI’s.

Koteles is the first Maple Leaf to achieve individual player honors this season, as she compiled Everence Student-Athlete of the Week as well as Crossroads Player of the Week honors for her in-game performances between Mar. 8-14. In the six day span, she batted over .500, accumulated six doubles, two triples, and 10 runs as the Leafs compiled seven straight wins.

Despite retaining their winning record, the Leafs have stumbled over the past week, only winning two of their eight contests. The Leafs did however pick up their first conference win of the season over the Mt. Vernon Nazarene Cougars, and split their most recent double-header at Grace College. The Leafs picked up an 8-5 win over the Lancers in game one Tuesday before falling 9-8 in game two.

Despite the mid-season skid, junior infielder Jessica Bachtell remains confident.

“Our early success as a team definitely comes from the chemistry that was built leading up to spring,” said Bachtell. “We have a ton of new players this year which gave us the opportunity to build trust as a team and I really hope the bond we have created will help us win.”

Goshen is led by third year head coach Juliaclare Plezbert.

“We have a team that plays for each other and they are hungry after having their season cut short last year. They work hard, compete and no matter the score, they fight and are resilient. This team is something special and I am excited to see what they will accomplish this season,” said Plezbert.

Looking ahead, the Leafs continue their way through the tough Crossroads League with a Saturday double header at home against the Taylor University Trojans, who are receiving votes nationally.