The St. Edward’s University softball team may have been predicted to walk away with the Heartland Conference title at the end of the 2011 season, but the team’s record caused some doubt.

After Heartland Conference sports information directors and coaches picked the Hilltoppers to finish first, the preseason began with a rough start with several players experiencing muscle soreness and injuries.

Once the season began, the team quickly swung into high gear. The softball team kicked off Heartland Conference play with a win against University of Texas Permian Basin.

Following the win, the team has produced a six-game winning streak. When asked what was done or said behind closed doors to make changes, Head Coach Amy Coulter attributed it all to the honesty of the coaches and the positive attitudes of the players. Coulter said the team knew it could turn the season around because they knew “we are that good, we just aren’t playing well.”

The team’s rebound began when the Hilltoppers lost to Angelo State University, the number two team in the nation. St. Edward’s went toe-to-toe with Angelo State, and came within one out of beating the Rambelles in one game and lost in extra innings in another. At that moment, the team knew they were capable of not only competing, but winning.

Senior, Lexi Stephens credited the team’s perseverance.

“We always knew we could turn our season around, but we needed to prove it to ourselves,” she said. “Now that we’ve got this momentum it’ll be tough to slow us down.”

Coach Amy Coulter said the team’s depth is another factor.

“I depend on all 19 players,” Coulter said.

Coulter said has been able to make the players understand that everyone, from those on the field to those in the bullpen, is of value and important in some way. Almost every player receives playing time at some point.

But there are three players that help hold the team together – Miranda Yeager, a junior, and seniors, Stacy Giles and Courtney Lavender. Yeager has been one of the most consistent players on the team. Giles and Lavender have been the backbone of the team.  

“I try to lead by example,” Giles said. “I am not the kind of leader who tells people what to do. If I am working hard, then others will hopefully work hard too.”

The team still expects to win the conference title. The Hilltoppers are 6-0 in conference despite a 20-17 overall record following two tough losses to East Central University on Monday.

Optimistically, Coach Coulter said that she always tells her team, “when you’re losing, it’s hard to win, but when you’re winning, it’s hard to lose.”

The Hilltoppers lead the Heartland Conference. The team’s next and final home game in the regular season is scheduled for April 12 at 2 p.m. against Angelo State.