Blue Dragon softball tam still searching for respect

By Colton Fast
Staff writer

Hutchinson Community College softball has gone under the radar for much this year, as the Blue Dragons currently boast an impressive 38-6 record and rank second in the always-tough Jayhawk Conference.

However, last Monday, the Blue Dragons were ranked No. 15, this being just their second time being ranked this year.

When asking coach Jaime Rose about why this team has been underrated she said, “I don’t really have an answer. It’s hard to break into the rankings, and there are a lot of good teams out there.”

HutchCC has plenty of solid wins against ranked opponents, including a 2-2 season series split with the powerhouse in Butler, which is also the Grizzles’ only losses of the year.

To even have a chance at the postseason, the Blue Dragons are going to have to go flawless for the rest of the season. Although in a tough spot, a game behind Butler, sophomore outfielder Haley Miller is not discouraged by their current standings.

“Oh yeah, if we play to our full potential, work together and play like we know how to, we can beat anyone,” Miller said.

Blue Dragon sports have had some tough luck this year in the rankings this year, including HutchCC football’s controversial absence from the NJCAA playoffs.

Being ranked 15 but with four losses being to top-10 teams again raises the question of why this team has been under the radar with the impressive resume that has been put together this year.

When asking pitcher Riley Wertz why the team has been underrated she simply said, “Because Butler is in our conference and they’re No. 8 and we’re No. 20.”

Butler’s prestige, which includes just five conference losses in seven seasons but three to Hutchinson, have have gotten the Blue Dragons overshadowed and unnoticed most of the year, which may seem unfair.

The Blue Dragons will start Region 6 play Friday in Dodge City against Northwest Kansas Tech.

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