Blair hangs tough

In their second to last game, Varsity softball had to overcome a few obstacles in the first three innings to beat Rockville, 15-5. Defensive and offensive plays in the fourth and fifth by Blair provided a margin far too wide for Rockville.

The game had a rocky start, with Rockville leading 5-2 at the top of the third inning. Blair came back in the fourth and fifth inning by capitalizing on Rockville's mistakes.

Although the Blazers missed their starters Emma Simson, Carly Vieira, and Juliana Stevenson, the team worked hard to stay on top of their game.

Simson, after reinjuring her left arm in a game against Gaithesburg, had to sit out in this and Blair's last game. JV pitcher Ellie Blalock pitched in relief for Simson. Blalock had one earned run in five innings, and struck out three of Rockville's batters. "I think I did well this game," Blalock said.

Clutch hits were made by juniors Sophie Strike and Sara Furlow. Strike hit a triple to the deep right field in the bottom of the fourth, which tied the game 5-5. Furlow had a clutch in the bottom of the fifth to secure Blair's victory.

Defensive plays made by Blair prevented Rockville from scoring in the top of the fifth. A clutch hit in the right field looked like a sure hit for Rockville until Norma Menijivar chased after the ball, threw it to Stephanie Cooney who threw it to Jennifer Sindall for the tag out on third base.

Cooney had a huge contribution at the top of the fourth defensively. Besides throwing the ball to first base, Cooney also caught a fly ball in the far left for the third out.

The softball team will play Walter Johnson in their last home game, May 7.