Matt Phelps
Mercer Island Reporter
Losing the first three games of the year and scoring just one run is not a successful start for any team. But the Mercer Island girls softball program, which has not won a game in nearly a year and half, has a different definition for success than most teams.
“We have three freshman playing and one junior who has never played before,” said senior co-captain Carrie Williams. “We have a lack of game experience, and I think the nerves have been affecting all of us.”
In a sense, the program has already taken a big step forward, and it might be bigger than any victory on the scoreboard. The Islanders have both a varsity and junior varsity team with players who have no experience with the sport willing to take a shot.
The program’s stability and coach Jessica Steinle are two reasons for the step forwad.
“A lot of our girls had never seen live pitching,” said Steinle, who is the third head coach in four years. “They want to be good right away, but they have to be patient.”
Victory off the field has not led to victory on the field. Mercer Island started the season with a 27-0 loss to Newport on March 18, but then came back to stay relatively competitive against Sammamish in a 15-1 loss on Wednesday.
“We try to talk about the good things after the games, and we have really cut down on our errors this year,” said Steinle. “But our pitching has killed us.”
The coach estimated that the team had 30-40 walks during the three games.
Freshman Emily Kahan has already received some substantial time on the pitching circle.
“It’s been kind of nerve racking,” said Kahan. “It’s been hard not knowing so many players. It’s also hard to take the mound when you know the other team is so much better.”
One team that the Islanders have relied on to be competitive is Interlake.
The Saints beat Mercer Island 20-0 on Thursday. But Interlake has improved and beaten some of the best teams in the league this year. The turnaround for the Saints is inspiring for the Islanders.
“They have really come around, and it shows them that it can be done,” said Steinle.
And while the Saints are no longer the team that the Islanders can count on for a competitive game, Steinle thinks that Mercer Island could potentially leapfrog two to three other teams this season and earn some wins.
“Right now, there is just a big feeling of frustration, but I think we are getting better,” said Steinle.
