Once again another softball season has come and gone. Unfortunately for the Lady Crusaders, this season was cut short due to multiple rainouts. Despite this misfortune, the girls had a great season. The girls grew close as teammates and worked well together. The general attitude of the team remained positive throughout the season and the girls finished with a winning record of 6-3.
From the first day of try-outs it was obvious to the coaches as well as the veteran players that this season would be radically different from last; being only the second year of the revived softball program, we could not expect too much, and yet the amount of freshman talent that was brought to the team was a pleasant surprise. After securing a roster of 14 experienced players, the team began its practices with anticipation and excitement for the upcoming games. The team took its first loss against Sewanee in stride; this defeat only further motivated each individual to work hard at practice. With the initial nervousness out of its system, the team took on its next opponent. This began the Crusader's 6 game winning streak. Each player was also experiencing personal victories during this time; great plays were being made in the field, from Mary-Grace Handy's exceptional maneuvers to make plays at first base, to Sophie Adam's making diving catches in the outfield, to Elizabeth Rensch putting in endless effort behind the plate, all the girls triumphed on the field. The entire line-up was hitting well. Opposing teams could not be comfortable facing even the bottom of the line-up, as those players proved to be just as much as a threat as the top in some cases, hitting doubles and triples.
A highlight of the season was the double header against Valley Forge. The girls took their home field, prepared to meet the same team which had given them good competition last season. Both games were exciting; in the first the Crusaders just managed to pull ahead of the Patriots after a terrific inning in which most every player got a hit. Christendom expected the second game to be more difficult, as they knew the Patriots would not take defeat easily. Yet the Crusaders surprised themselves with their ability; they overcame Valley Forge in just 5 innings. Each player enjoyed this game immensely and saw it as a victory to be proud of.
The end of every season is tinged with sadness, and this season is no different. While the team came out on top, they end this softball season bearing a tough loss; that of their sole senior, Annie Adams. This was Annie's first and last season playing for the Lady Crusaders. She travelled to Rome last spring, and therefore missed the opening season. Yet she made a strong impression on this team and will be missed. She had an incredible work ethic and positive attitude at every practice and game. During the games she would make few, if any, mistakes, and played the positions of first base and pitcher well. Her regular spot in the top of the hitting line up will not be easily filled, as Annie had a keen eye and powerful and skillful bat. The team thanks Annie for her dedication and hard work, and hopes that she will find time in her schedule next spring to come out and support the team.
We look forward to seeing the softball team continue to improve and anticipate the program to grow stronger in the next few years.