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By Administrator
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Oct. 18, 2003 |
The girls' softball team was unable to make it through city playoffs after a late rally by the Washington Eagles knocked them out of contention in the first round on May 7.
Both teams displayed a driven effort; the Cardinals, in particular, were determined to rectify their loss to the Eagles in last year's championship.
After a standstill in the first three innings, the Eagles erupted with seven runs in the bottom of the fourth to take the lead, 7-0.
Anticipation rose as the Cardinals scrambled to stop the bleeding. In the top of the fifth, the Cardinals responded with a seven-run equalizer. The Eagles rallied back with three more runs in the bottom of the sixth to take the lead once more. Trailing by three, the Cardinals failed to score in the seventh, losing the game 10-7.
Despite the loss, the Cardinals displayed poise and maintained sportsmanship. However, the same could not be said for the Eagles. Junior pitcher Nella Tay was hit on a pitch and several Cardinals were walked in the top of the fifth, while the entire team endured the incessant sneering of the Eagle girls.
Girls' softball MVP Jessica Chen
"We were the only team that challenged them," junior centerfielder Janet Lee said. "It was just a really good game."
This is the second straight year the Cardinals have fallen short of winning the city championship. However, the disappointment of not going all the way has not battered the team's spirits. The Cardinals are staying positive.
"I'm really proud of all the girls," senior shortstop Jessica Chen said. "It was a fun season. That's what softball is about having fun. It was a pleasure playing with the team, and I wish them luck next year"
For coach Sasha Ray, this year's season with the girls came with many rewards. Although it was her first season with the Cardinals, Ray said she has discovered the team's asset: their skills "individually and as a team."
"The team works really hard," Ray said. "Every time I ask them to step up, they do."
Girls' softball MVP Marie Maffei
Although the team will be losing two starters to graduation, Chen and senior centerfielder Marie Maffei, Ray said she hopes the team will work harder to have a better overall record next season.
Members of the softball team have chosen Maffei and Chen as this year's co-MVPs.
Both girls began playing with the team as freshmen and have grown since then, helping to guide the team to two AAA championships. Team members believe that the two are vital players who provide both runs and inspiration.
Maffei "is such a big heart of the team and always keeps us laughing," junior rightfielder Maria Cownan said.
According to teammates, Maffei always played hard, rarely missed practice and conveyed a positive attitude to her teammates.
Members of the team also acknowledged Chen's importance. Sophomore centerfielder Shanae Mairs said that Chen "takes charge and regulates."
"Jess (Chen) is such a great softball player that she inspires us to play better," Cownan said.
Both players earned praise for pulling through for the team, on and off the field, and for embodying the spirit of leadership and dedication. |
