Taylor softball sits at an even 19-19 overall record on the season, with a conference record of 14-12. The Trojans have employed a combination of strong offense and effective pitching to compete with top teams in the Crossroads League.
Grace Mullins, a junior utility player, continues to be a steady presence at the plate for Taylor. A batting average of .376 and an on-base percentage of .535 place her in third among qualified hitters in the CL.
She delivered a standout performance against Spring Arbor on April 2, recording three hits, two walks, three RBIs and two runs scored across four at-bats, along with her first collegiate home run in game one.
Despite Mullins’ strong showing, the Trojans dropped game one after the Cougars rallied late, handing the purple and gray a narrow 5-4 loss.
Though the team fell short, Mullins said it’s also important to look at it from a positive perspective, adding that the loss lit a fire for the team going into game two – the Trojans pulled out a 7-0 shutout win, led by sophomore pitcher Claire Cullen.
“It’s all a game, and sometimes that’s just how the ball falls,” she said. “But I think it really says something, that we can come back after a loss and still win.”
Cullen delivered a strong performance in game 2, pitching a complete-game shutout with nine strikeouts while allowing just one hit. Now, she has an earned run average of 2.87 and allows a 1.52 WHIP (Walks plus Hits per Innings Pitched).
Cullen said the opening loss was tough, but she was glad they were able to dominate the second game.
“I think we had it in the bag, and then we kind of crumbled and kind of gave them the game,” she said. “Going three-and-one with Spring Arbor is still pretty good, for sure.”
The nightcap turnaround highlighted the team’s ability to reset quickly and play with confidence, two strengths Cullen listed. She highlighted the team’s offense as a key factor to success, which Mullins echoed.
“If our bats come alive, it’s lights out for sure,” Mullins said.
The split against Spring Arbor added to what has been a back-and-forth stretch for the Trojans. Previously, the Trojans swept the Cougars and now sit at 3-1 against them.
The purple and gray have consistently traded wins in recent games, but have shown occasional dominance in games such as their sweep over No. 11 Marian on March 28.
In a dominant nightcap, Taylor run-ruled Marian, winning 16-0 to finish off the doubleheader.
“I think we all were just having fun and being loud and kind of carefree,” Cullen said. “It was amazing.”
The Trojans will rematch the Knights on April 21 at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. on the home diamond.
Mullins said the team has leaned on a simple mindset throughout the season, especially in moments when someone makes a small mistake: they just remind themselves the sky is blue.
“That’s the truth, and we kind of just hold onto that,” she said. “It’s just a game. In the end, I made a mistake… yeah, so what? Sky’s blue, it doesn’t change anything.”
As the season continues, both players pointed to the team’s tight-knit culture as a valuable factor for success moving forward.
The Trojans have several key games coming up, including a doubleheader against Huntington on April 14 at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. The result will determine who will be placed fourth in the CL standings. Fourth place will secure a spot in the CL tournament, while fifth place must compete in a play-in game.
“I feel like we’ve been playing really well, and everything’s kind of clicking as of right now,” Cullen said.
