The Minooka Indians dropped their matchup against Joliet Catholic on April 2, 10-8.

The Indians collected eight hits on the day and junior Sammy Norman took the mound and allowed three earned runs, on 10 hits over 7 innings for Minooka.

JCA took the game on a walk-off single in the bottom of the 9th. The loss dropped the Indians to 1-7 on the young season.  It has been a rather slow start for a team that was projected to have a bright season ahead of them.

Injuries has been a huge factor thus far for the Indians.

“Losing (Allison) Bugajski and (Nicole) Lovato has been very tough, they were are only returning all-conference players, but we have had girls step up into leadership roles,” head coach Mark Brown said. “Sammy Norman, Gabi Robles and Allie Timm have been very productive to start the season.” 

The senior leadership has been key so far this season, despite the rough beginning.

“The seniors have really stepped up this year and are trying to lead the team,” senior outfielder Hannah Justak said. “This was how the start of the season was last year, and we never gave up.”

The Indians were one win away from a state appearance last year and the hope was to get there this year.

Mental errors have hurt the Indians this season.

“We have many physically talented girls but we need to improve our softball IQ,” Brown said. “When that happens, the game will slow down, and we will start making plays. We also need to start playing as a team, success comes when nine work as one.  I am very confident we will turn it around, we are very close.”