By ANDREAS BUTLER | DAYTONA TIMES
(Source: Daytona Times)
Bethune-Cookman seeks consistency as they seek first SWAC title
Bethune-Cookman’s Kendall McCauley catches a ball at first base during a game this season. She’ll be counted on in order for the Wildcats to return to softball glory and win their first SWAC title and return to the NCAA tournament.
The Bethune-Cookman Wildcats have won five straight games, which are all Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) contests.
“It’s a good start to conference play but it is still a long way to go. I think each year we transition better into conference understanding what we’re getting into especially traveling,’’ said Bethune-Cookman Head Coach Laura Watten.
“Travel is tough in the SWAC; each trip is a challenging environment. We have the ability to run the show, but we must put it all together. Every team gets better each weekend, we must also,’’ she noted.
B-CU has a 6-2 SWAC record, which ties them atop the East Division with Jackson State.
The Wildcats are 13-20 overall. They have played a tough schedule. They even have a one run loss to then No. 24 Mississippi State, currently ranked No. 18.
“What has gone well as that we have competed including against ranked opponents, even up to the seventh inning. What hasn’t gone well is that we haven’t always finished games. It’s the mental aspect. It’s a challenge. We must execute in pressure situations,” responded Watten.
Once again, Bethune-Cookman fields a talented team. They were picked to finish third in the SWAC East in pre-season polls.
Some key players
Back in the circle is senior pitcher Halyne Gonzalez (7 wins, 3.98 ERA, 109 IP, 66 SO).
“Every year gets tougher for her. This is her toughest year. She has been around and everyone has seen her. They know what she throws but she has done well,” noted Watten.
Senior pitcher Alyssa Lopez (5-3, 2.82 ERA) and sophomore pitcher Alyssa Gonzalez (1-1, 2.10 ERA) add depth.
Senior third baseman Shania Owens (.299 BA, 2 HR, 10 RBI, 23 H, 20 R, 17 SB) has emerged as the table setter at the leadoff spot.
“She has stepped up in a big role. She has always been good defensively but really stepped up offensively. She is hitting leadoff because I wanted her to get the most at bats and set the table with her speed. She is doing well,” said Watten.
The Wildcats also return redshirt seniors in outfielder Joslynn Davis (.320 BA, 32 H, 16 R, 14 SB); infielder Kendal McCauley (.254 BA, 2 HR, 14 RBI) and shortstop Breanna Velazquez (1 HR, 15 RBI).
Also back is sophomore second base- man Jessica Alaan amongst others.
Newcomer, junior outfielder Emma Bradley-Tse (.310 BA, 10 RBI, 31 H, 14 R, 12 SB), is also making an impact.
“We’re putting it all together and making sure we’re clicking defensively and offensively. We’re looking for all- around consistency. I don’t know what energy level will show up each day but want everyone,” Watten responded.
The Wildcats are excited about incoming freshmen outfielder Molly Blackwood (10RBI) and outfielder/infielder India Stokes (.289BA).
“Molly is a great kid that is working hard. She is a rare gem. I’m excited to have her. She’ll have a bigger role in the future,” Watten added.
“India is another good kid. She has a lot of speed and can do some things as well.”
Bethune-Cookman’s Joslynn Davis hits a pitch during a game this season. Davis has also been steady in B-CU’s lineup.
‘About the consistency’
Bethune-Cookman is once again strong with pitching and defensively. They’ve added some offense.
“We have days when the pitching is on, and the offense is not. Somedays the defense falls apart. Honestly, I think we are strong in all areas, but we haven’t consistently put it together. We must stay focus on the situation at hand and not bring the last at bat, pitch or defensive play into the next. It’s about the consistency,” expressed Watten.
Watten is a legend and Hall of Famer at Bethune-Cookman. She led the Wildcats to seven MEAC crowns, eight NCAA appearances and one Super Regional. She also had three Regional appearances at Maryland. Watten has over 800 wins.
She reflected, “I don’t think about it. It still feels like it’s my first year coaching. Every year is new and challenging. You have new players and personalities. I just try to get my teams to trust the process. I’ve had success at different levels. I’ve been doing this longer than they have been alive. I’ve seen a lot and had a lot of experience. I just stay resilient, stay the course and try to get the girls to focus one pitch at a time.”
The Wildcats travel to Montgomery, Alabama to face the Alabama State Hornets in another key SWAC East matchup from March 28-29 before returning home to play the Alabama A&M Bulldogs on April 4-5.
The goal is to win the SWAC tournament and make the NCAA tournament. B-CU hasn’t won a conference tournament since 2019 as members of the MEAC.
They joined the SWAC in 2021.
Watten emphasized, “It takes that mental toughness. We have the ability and pieces in place. We must stay focus and keep our energy. The kids are hungry and want it, but we must take care of the little things. We got to be committed to the little things making every single day count. Every little thing matters, practice, drills, warmups and all.”
