| Softball takes second city champs, loses Transbay | | Print | |
| Written by Tiffany Leung | |
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On that fateful day, May 9, the girls’ varsity softball team shrugged off doubts as they won their second consecutive CIF championship against their long-time rivals the Lincoln Mustangs. It was the third showdown against the Mustangs at Lang Field, the first two games having ended in Cardinal victory. Throughout the game, no one team dominated, and the score see-sawed between the two. The third inning brought out strong hitters from the Cardinals, as the seniors, right fielder Rita Belilovskaya and third basemen Sylvia Tam, junior center fielder Sophia Chen and sophomore Alina Werth dominated the diamond. Though the third inning belonged to the Cardinals, the fourth inning went to the Mustangs who managed to score six runs from pitcher Werth. “I just kept telling her to calm down,” junior catcher Kristina Tran said. Werth expertly shook it off, however, and picked up her game in the last three innings, when it really mattered. Her communication and teamwork with Tran allowed the Mustangs to score only one run. “I knew that she would come back, firing hard.” Tran said. The Cardinals kept their head up and their game strong, scoring three runs in the sixth inning and tying the match at 12. The momentum carried them into the bottom of the seventh inning. The Cardinals were tied neck-to-neck when Chen stepped up to the plate. The bases were loaded with freshmen shortstop Katie Tam on third and senior co-captains, first baseman Rubye Chu and second baseman Samia Zuber on second and first, respectively. “We knew we needed one run to win,” Chen said. “This was our chance to win the game.” Chen, who had consistent hits throughout the game, didn’t disappoint as she knocked the ball hard down to the right. “I was watching the ball drop as I was rounding to first,” Chen said, “and then I knew that we won.” From second base, Chu busily raced toward home the instant that Chen connected. “As soon as she hit it I thought, ‘that’s gone,’ and I couldn’t stop running,” Chu said. “I had a feeling they weren’t going to catch it.” And she was right. Chen’s hit was all the Cardinals needed to win. The score was 13-12, the same score as last year’s championship win against the Washington Eagles. Victory was sweet. “Coming down to the seventh and winning was extremely overwhelming,” coach Sascha Taylor-Ray said. “I don’t think they really improved,” she said, “they just played their kind of ball.” Essential to the Cardinals’ win was the Cardinal offense. “Throughout our lineup, one through nine, we had key hits,” Taylor-Ray said. Chu agreed adding that “Coach always says, ‘You can’t win a game with no hits.’” Winning one CIF championship is tough, but two is the icing on the cake. “Winning champs back-to-back is always a great feeling,” Chu said. “I feel more satisfied this year because our team won’t be taken lightly anymore.” Most Valuable Players The Lowell awards Zuber and Chu varsity softball co-MVPs. They not only showed leadership and determination to win, but also dedication to the sport, according to Taylor-Ray. “Both are the best hitters on the team, averaging three to four (hits) in every game,” Taylor-Ray said. Throughout the season, Zuber adapted well to any position she was given, ranging from pitcher to third basemen. Chu was also a versatile player, dominating shortstop and first base. Zuber’s and Chu’s duties ranged from being in charge of the equipment to helping run the practices. “They have definitely helped through the season,” Tran said. “They always motivated us and kept our spirits up.” |
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