Positivity Keeps Rams Afloat Heading into Home Opener

FORT COLLINS, Colo. – Pressure is a privilege.

Or so says coach Jen Fisher and Netflix's documentary, 'The Playbook.'

Despite a weekend cut short in Arizona, the Rams' new motto allows the team to focus on the good circumstances instead of leaning into the disappointment of missed games.

Adversity is a common theme for the squad this season. Only playing eight of the 17 scheduled games, the Rams haven't had as much time to work out the kinks in the roster. But the show must go on, and the team has no choice but to keep moving.

"[Doc Rivers] was going over his mantras and rules for life," Fisher said. "He does a really good job talking about how most people never get the opportunity to take the winning shot or have a winning hit. This group, they care very, very much about each other and they really care about performing for the team. Instead of a glass half empty, this is a glass half full. I think they really latched on to that and it's going to be helpful moving forward."

With the plethora of missed games, the team has every reason to be nervous or even discouraged. But this new motto allows the Rams to be grateful for the time on the dirt. Coach Fisher even laughed about how not a single preseason tournament has gone according to plan.

But graduate student Corina Gamboa isn't worried about what this season holds.

"I think we've come a long way," Gamboa said. "We've had some adversity. Even having this opportunity to play has been a blessing. I feel that we have so much talent and so much chemistry, so much potential. If we continue to work hard and stay focused, I truly believe we can go so far this season. I know some of the outcomes haven't been good, but I feel like we're so close to getting there. I'm so excited to see where this season takes us."

Cruising into their last tournament before conference play, the lineup's winning stats have endorsed Gamboa's confidence.

Even though their last outing in Arizona only yielded a 1-2 record for the completed games, the squad put up decent individual numbers and impressively produced one home run during each game. Two of them were provided by freshman outfielder Ashley York, who is determined to make up for lost time after her senior season was cut short.

"I'm just playing the game I've always played," York said. "Last year, my senior year got canceled. I just learned how to play like it's your last game, every game. I'm just taking in all the moments and not really worrying about outcomes."

To be successful, the team has to offensively come together this weekend. Only producing a .180 batting average for their eight completed games, there haven't been many opportunities for the team to drive in runs.
During the first game against Seattle U, the team's offense started to show its potential. The roster strung together eight hits, including one double, one triple and one home run.

"Defense and baserunning (could be improved)," Gamboa said. "I think getting more ahead offensively to apply less pressure on our pitchers and defenses. All around offensively. Just attacking early in the game, I think we could improve on that aspect."

The pressure is on for the team. In addition to nine missed games, the Rams are hosting their home opener on Saturday.

But pressure is privilege.

"It's been a while since we've had a home opener," Gamboa said. "We're all really excited to play on our home field and against an opponent, because we've been playing against each other. Playing against another opponent makes it so much more exciting. We're just preparing through practice and taking it one day at a time. We're ready to play hard."

The next pitch to cross the plate is rival school Northern Colorado. The Rams' last matchup against the Bears in 2019 ended with the team taking both victories.

This season remains uncertain. But, with the talent this team believes carries, all it will take is stringing some hits together and keeping a positive attitude.

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