Injuries to players on the Baker University softball team during its games Saturday lowered the ‘Cats numbers, leaving the team unable to participate in tournaments this weekend.
During a tournament hosted by Emporia State University, junior Sarah Wright was hit in the back of the neck by a softball, knocking her out and causing temporary paralysis. Wright was hospitalized after the incident and was released from the hospital Monday, head softball coach Jennifer Rigdon said.
Freshman Maryann Dugan suffered a sprained ankle during the tournament.
Sophomore Stephanie Allen said the injuries were hard on the team.
“You don’t want any of your teammates hurt and in pain,” Allen said. “It was a rough weekend, but it was a learning experience. We learned that there will be injuries, but we will work through them.”
During the tournament the ‘Cats faced Washburn University, Cloud County Community College and Brown Mackie College, losing all three of their games.
“We did okay,” Rigdon said. “We didn’t win any games, but it was one of those first outing experiences. Offensively, we did an excellent job hitting the ball. Defensively, we’re working out the kinks and getting a feel of how everyone plays.”
In addition to the injured players, Rigdon said the team must adjust to having seven freshmen and three starting players who are also members of the volleyball team.
Allen said the team is working through those obstacles.
“We have a kind of young team, and we’re all getting to know each other and (learning to) play with each other,” she said.
Freshman MarKaye Strickland said she thought the team did well for its first tournament playing together.
“I thought it was good for our first time out,” she said.
The team was scheduled to play in a tournament this weekend; however, the Wildcats can’t participate because of a lack of players