Blazers pull through against Kennedy

By Amanda Lee

MAY 5, MONTGOMERY BLAIR STADIUM--

This afternoon, the JV softball team defeated the Kennedy Cavaliers 23-13 in just five innings, overcoming the absence of five starting players. Their excellent batting and aggressive base running capitalized on the Cavaliers' weak defensive play, and changes in the pitching lineup provided a preview of fresh talent for the team's next season.

The Blazers got off to a rocky start in the first inning, walking eight Cavaliers in a row and allowing a pop fly to turn into a single when two fielders went to catch the ball at the same time. Although this communication mistake almost repeated itself in the third inning, it would be one of the very few errors Blair made in the field.

For the most part, the team executed quick, clean plays and adapted well to position changes that compensated for missing players, according to freshman shortstop Maggie Sullivan. "I was surprised at how well we did," she said, "it was kind of different to get used to the chemistry."

Blair's offense was strong throughout the game, according to Coach Kirsten Werdann. "We hit well," she said. "It was a good win." Nearly every Blazer that went to bat made it on base, and powerful hits like freshman Danielle McClay's game-closing, fifth-inning home run highlighted both their dominance at bat and Kennedy's weaknesses in the field. After tumbling past two outfielders, McClay's ball was dropped, chased and thrown slowly enough to allow her to cross home plate.

Without starting pitcher sophomore Emily May, several Blazers tried their hand at pitching, including freshmen Alison Ruben, Liz Scroggs, Claire Lieberman, and sophomore Sara Pierce. Each demonstrated potential and contributed to Blair's overall superior play.