Between practices and games, travel and rest, Eastern athletes who play spring sports spent their mid-semester vacations in a variety of ways. Read on to learn how these teams have begun their seasons.
Women’s Lacrosse: The Women’s Lacrosse team travelled to Portland, Oregon to play George Fox University and Pacific University before travelling to Seattle, Washington where they completed a service project, which involved mulching for the city’s parks and recreation department. They also went rock-climbing and looked out over the city at the top of the Space Needle.
Men’s Lacrosse: The Men’s Lacrosse team travelled to Colorado Springs, Colorado to match up against Augustana College (Illinois) on Feb. 28 and Colorado College on March 3. The Eagles triumphed over Augustana with a score of 9-3. While in Colorado a few Eastern players received the opportunity to teach local children some fundamentals of play, and the team went on a beautiful 5.5-mile hike and climbed the rocks at the Garden of the Gods.
Men’s Track and Field: The Men’s Track and Field team competed in the MAC Indoor Track and Field Championships in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania on Feb. 24 and Feb. 25. They placed seventh overall with a score of 40.5.
Women’s Track and Field: The Women’s Track and Field team also competed in the MAC Indoor Track and Field Championships in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania on Feb. 24 and Feb. 25. They placed sixth overall with a score of 45. Upon returning home, members of the team prepared for the outdoor season by working out every day, though each member’s workouts were tailored to the event in which she competes.
Softball: The Softball team travelled to Virginia Beach, Virginia, where they played Randolph-Macon College on March 2, Hunter College and Baruch College on March 3 and Fredonia University and St. Joseph’s College (Brooklyn) on March 4. The Eagles won their matchups against Hunter (6-0) and Baruch (13-8).
Baseball: The Baseball team drove to Cary, North Carolina, where they played two games against William Peace University. The team then flew to Fort Pierce, Florida to play Houghton College, University of Northwestern (Minnesota) and Hilbert College. The Eagles defeated Northwestern (10-5) and took the victory in their first matchups against William Peace (6-2) and Houghton (11-3). While in Florida the team also enjoyed a spring training game between the Washington Nationals and Houston Astros at the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches.
Women’s Tennis: The Women’s Tennis team prepared for the spring season by hitting the courts at home. Each member of the team practiced as often as possible and took time to rest so she could play her best upon returning to Eastern’s courts.
Men’s Tennis: The Men’s Tennis Team has been practicing every day upon returning to campus. They played Rosemont College on March 14 in their first match of the season.
Men’s Golf: The Men’s Golf team received the opportunity to travel to Florida to play several courses in Fort Lauderdale and attend the final round of the Honda Classic PGA Tournament in Palm Beach Gardens. The team also practiced daily.
Women’s Golf: The Women’s Golf team travelled to Florida to play several courses, including Breakers West Country Club, Parkland Golf and Country Club, Weston Hills Country Club and Wellington National Golf Club. They also received the opportunity to attend the final round of the Honda Classic PGA Tournament and enjoyed spending some time at the beach.
Sources: Kadeem Colburn, Eva Ehrhardt, JC Garges, Kelsey Hoffman, Ryan Kehr, Emily Lewis, Antonio Lopez, Rachel Lozzi, Amanda Riiff, Sal Tortora