Blazers squeak past Wootton

MAR 25, BLAZER STADIUM --

The Blair softball team won its opening game tonight against Wootton High School, 7-5. The Blazers' small-ball style offense got off to a slow start but eventually began working, with several beautiful bunts and steals leading to the runs that won the game for Blair.

However, Blair's offense struggled to hit the ball deep, with captain Carly Vieira tallying the team's only extra-base hits, a double and a triple. The batters often seemed to be unfocused at the plate, only coming together at key times.

The Blazers' attack was very balanced, with six players scoring at least once, and this year's team showed off its base running speed from the get-go. Several players racked up multiple steals, including one for a run by junior outfielder Marianne Epstein.

Defense tonight was often weak for the Blazers. The infield gave up several runs on wild throws to first base, and also showed a lack of cohesiveness on the field, which led to a few mental errors as well. "Our team defense and our communication is suffering," said Coach Louis Hoelman. "We're better than that."

After being down by two runs in the fourth inning, the Blazers finally got their bats together, scoring three consecutive runs before Wootton could finally get another point on the board. The Blazers never trailed after that final effort by the Patriots.

Leadoff batter Amy Ernst laid down a beautiful bunt in the bottom of the sixth and was driven home on Vieira's triple. Vieira scored on the next at bat as captain Emma Simson singled her in.

All that remained was for the Blazers to put together one final defensive effort. The Blazers' seventh inning performance outshone their earlier play, highlighted by captain catcher Lily Hamburger's rocket to shortstop Ernst to stop a Patriot from stealing second. The bottom of the seventh was not forced, and Blair walked off the field happy with its win.

The players were enthusiastic throughout the game, well out-cheering Wootton, but several acknowledged after the game that they had not played to their potentials. Hoelman blamed lack of practice time on the field due to bad weather for the team's inconsistency, but maintained his optimistic outlook on the season. "We didn't have enough time out here and so we didn't jump on this game like we should have," he said. "But we'll keep practicing and we'll definitely be good this year."