Lowers’ focus is a big hit
Published 6:37 pm Saturday, July 15, 2017
- Morgan Lowers had a big season with the Winthrop University softball team this year. She started in 56 of 57 games. Submitted photo
Former Nansemond River High School standout Morgan Lowers’ mindset has led to success at Winthrop University.
Winthrop finished with a 27-31 record in May, which concluded Lowers’ sophomore season.
Overall, she is proud of her team’s success and was also satisfied with her personal performance. Out of the 57 games Winthrop played this season, Lowers started 56 in the outfield. She took over the starting position during her freshman season.
“Personally, I felt like I had a decent season,” she said. “You always feel like you can do more. However, nonetheless, there were some exciting moments this season. We finished strong during the tournament.”
One of those exciting moments came when Lowers hit her first college home run. The homer came against Campbell University in the Big South tournament. Of course, that was an amazing feeling for the rising junior.
When the pitch was thrown, Lowers didn’t think she was going to hit a homer. After she had hit first base, she saw that the ball was gone and was overjoyed.
“I was so happy; it was an amazing feeling,” Lowers said. “What made it even better is that my family was there to see it.”
She has also received accolades such being named Big South Player of the Week.
The Lady Eagle had 49 hits this season to go along with 13 runs and 26 RBIs. She has seven multi-hit games since her freshman season. She also had a huge game Feb. 25 against North Carolina Central, when she drove in four runs for her team.
Every time she comes to the plate, Lowers tells herself that she needs to be productive. At the plate, she envisions her coach throwing her a front toss, which helps her collect hits.
“I try not to overthink when I’m up at bat,” the Winthrop Eagle said. “I just try to play my game and not let the pitcher get in my head.”
The biggest adjustment Lowers has had to make in her first couple of seasons has been to accept failure. Lowers hates letting her team down; she is hard on herself when she doesn’t produce how she wants.
“Playing at the collegiate level is very hard,” she added. “Playing a game of failures makes it even harder. I have definitely had to adjust to having a more uplifting spirit when I am on the field.”
While Lowers is preparing for her junior year, she wants to improve on her slapping game. She wants to be able to drive the ball as well as play small ball.
“I want to mix my game up more to keep the defense on their toes,” she said. “I want to be able to score more for my team.”
While she was at Nansemond River Lowers was an All-Conference, All-Region and All-State selection for the Lady Warriors.