By BUTCH HARMON
Led by one of the top pitchers in West Michigan, the Lowell softball team has enjoyed one of its finest seasons in recent years.
With senior Morgan Groom throwing bb’s from the circle, the Red Arrows opened the season by winning 19 of their first 24 games. One of the top pitchers in school history, Groom is a talented player who is not only a force on the diamond, but is also a standout in the classroom. Groom will be taking her academic and athletic talents to Harvard University next season to continue her academic and athletic careers.
“Morgan is not only a great softball player, but she is also a great student,” Lowell coach William McElroy said. “She is a very good pitcher, and she has really worked on her hitting. She has really come a long way as a hitter.”
Groom will pitch at Harvard next season but may also see time at first base due to her bat.
While Groom is the ace of the pitching staff, she is one of numerous hitters that McElroy has counted on to supply offense this season.
“We have got some good pitching this year, but we also have some young kids who have been hitting the ball pretty well,” McElroy said. “Everybody has actually hit the ball pretty well for us this season.”
Lowell’s offense has come from a number of different hitters in a number of different grades.
“We have a nice mix of some sophomores and freshmen and some more experienced players,” McElroy said. “The young kids have stepped up and did a nice job for us.”
Groom is at the top of the batting order, and the middle of the order includes sophomore shortstop Bethany Dean and cleanup hitter Lindsey Crawford. The Red Arrows have also received production from Julie Smith and Carissa Paiz.
With their strong pitching and timely hitting, the Red Arrows are poised to make a long tournament run. Lowell will be playing in the Division 1 district at Forest Hills Central. The Red Arrows drew host Forest Hills Central in their opening game and will play the winner of Caledonia and East Kentwood if they win their opener.