Grubbs’s gem vindicates new home

Photo by Kai Orenic

Physical plant workers bury an electrical line leading to an outlet that will be used for a pitching machine.

The Lady Royals softball team made a mark in the record books Monday when freshman Tessa Grubb pitched the first perfect game in the program’s history.

The Royals played Old Dominion Athletic Conference competitor Randolph Macon Women’s College, pounding them 20-0 and 11-3 in a doubleheader against the Wildcats.

The Royals got off to a slow start at the beginning of the season when they competed in the Atlantic vs. East Challenge in Virginia Beach, Va. However, Head Coach J.D. McCurdy was optimistic about the appearance.

“The team was able to see what the next level of competition looks like,” he said. The team lost close games to Wilkes University, Albright College, and Mary Washington College, and fell harder to number one ranked Salisbury University and top-ranked Chowan College. Although competition was stiff, the Lady Royals were able to improve upon team skills and get ready for further games down the road.

The Royals then fell to ODAC rival Bridgewater College the following Tuesday in blustery conditions in the team’s first conference games. The first game’s big blow came when Bridgewater hit a second inning grand-slam, taking the Royals 9-2. Bridgewater went on to sweep the doubleheader.

The Royals turned things around when they participated in the Ferrum College tournament last weekend in Salem, Va. The ladies lost a close game to Marysville University 6-5 and then won over Hunter University and Randolph Macon.

The highlight came Monday. However, when the Royals got their fourth victory of the season against Randolph Macon Women’s College, Grubb’s stellar performance was backed by solid defense around the diamond. On the offensive, the Royals attacked the Wildcats relentlessly. In the first game Tisha Scruggs contributed a two-run homerun and three RBIs. Sabrina Tusing added a triple, two singles, and three RBIs. Emily Lam, Michelle Hamsher, Erin Partee, Elisa Wolf, and Rebecca Stutzman all had hits for the Royals.

The second game highlights came from Grubb with three hits and three RBIs, Tusing with two hits and one RBI, and Lori Holsopple with two hits and three RBIs. McCurdy said the softball team is on target to achieve the team goals, and their mission is to make the ODAC tournament.

Great strides are also being made to improve the appearance of the program through developments of Gehman field. The biggest cosmetic changes can be seen in the building of dugouts, a new outfield fence moved in approximately 20 feet, and a batting cage behind left field. The fence was moved in order to meet the NCAA specifications of a minimum of 190 feet down the foul line and a maximum depth of 225 feet in centerfield.

McCurdy and Athletic Director Larry Martin both see the improvements as a necessary part of advancing the program. If the Lady Royals are able to win the ODAC and get to a regional game, the new specifications would give EMU the opportunity to host.

The Loyal Royals donated the majority of the funds to be able to renovate the field by sponsoring a golf tournament to help cover the cost of the dugouts and other improvements. Marvin Weaver headed up the masonry work needed to build the dugouts by donating his time and expertise in the field. Many Physical Plant workers dedicated their time to the project.

Eldon Kurtz, director of the Physical Plant, and his staff are continuing to work on the field with Monroe Wood taking charge of infield management. Roger Pultz headed up electrical lines and wiring, and Nevin Bender, Will Hairston, Greg Steffen, and many other vital Physical Plant staff helped to aid in the project.

McCurdy noted that the Physical Plant has played an important part in helping to get correct specifications, materials, and targets as to when and how to get the project accomplished. Many people have contributed in trying to make Gehman field the best in the ODAC. Martin hopes that a dedication ceremony will occur before the end of the semester, contingent upon the weather and completion of the project.

Plans for the improvement of the Lady Royals softball program are coming in every form and direction with the new coaching staff, athletes and field improvements. Martin noted, “I have total confidence that Coach McCurdy will help take the program to the top third in the ODAC within three years. I admire the grit and determination of the team, having small numbers and with the adverse situations they have encountered so far this season. They have really hung in there.”

The Lady Royals return Friday to play at Southern Virginia for a doubleheader and then head to Lynchburg Saturday for more ODAC action.