SHORELINE — Not making the grade is breaking up the Shoreline Community College softball team.
The Dolphins have fallen short in the classroom and that’s resulted in struggles on the field.
Up to nine players have been academically ineligible this season, as the Dolphins have stumbled to a 2-8 record in the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges North Division and 2-10 mark overall.
“It’s hard to come up with positives when you’re going through this,” third-year head coach Paul Smiley said.
Smiley did get some good news late last week. Third baseman Mallory Milke, who leads the Dolphins with five home runs this season, regained her eligibility.
However, that’s only one problem resolved of many. In a scramble to find players, Smiley has filled several roster spots with members of the women’s basketball team.
One key spot that has been stable is center field with leadoff hitter sophomore Jacque Huden back with the squad. Huden, a slapper and bunter out of Mountlake Terrace, hit .400-plus last year.
Freshman left fielder Carly Helm is the Dolphins’ best hitter who is eligible at the moment, Smiley said. Freshman catcher Jessica Smith, a Kamiak grad, also can hit for power and make contact. Shoreline’s only pitcher, righty Alyssa Meyer, is also a good contact hitter.
“Those four have been pretty consistent for me of the eligible kids,” Smiley said.
Allie Wirtala, a sophomore out of King’s, is a good defensive second baseman. Ty Matthews, a freshman from Shorewood, plays first base and rounds out the core of the team.
Smiley is hopeful the Dolphins can turn things around and snag one of four division playoff berths. However, they sit four-and-a-half games behind fourth-place Peninsula and it will take a Herculean effort. Still, he said the players on the field have kept a positive attitude and are having a good time.
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