Confident Blazers triumph over Wildcats

by Amanda Lee

MARCH 30, MONTGOMERY BLAIR STADIUM-

The JV softball team yielded yet another victory at home today in their 22-12 win over the Walter Johnson Wildcats. Inconsistent hitting by both teams contributed to a slow-moving game, but the Blazers' confident play from the field and aggressive offense produced their second 5-inning victory in the season's first three games.

The sluggish tempo of this afternoon's play was due in part to what junior spectator and varsity player Emily O'Brien called a "ridiculous" number of walks, nearing thirty at the end of the fourth inning. Although neither team scored many strong hits, the Wildcats' fate was ultimately sealed by the contrast between their hesitancy to steal bases and the Blazers' aggressive base running.

Freshman catcher Claire Lieberman's outstanding performance complemented sophomore Emily may's strong and self-assured pitching, keeping Walter Johnson's runners in check and on base throughout the game. Their synergy provided a sharp contrast to the weak partnership of the Wildcats' two pitchers and catcher, whose slow execution of plays allowed countless Blazers to slide safely into home plate underneath their delayed tags.

After ending Walter Johnson's first turn at bat within a few short minutes and taking advantage of the Wildcats' slow and erratic pitching to steal run after run, Blair set the tone for the game in the first inning, commanding a 6-0 lead that the Wildcats would attempt to claw back from for the next four innings. However, the Blazers' quick and responsive fielding outclassed their opponents' lingering plays, curbing Walter Johnson's hopes for a comeback.

The unusually cold weather added an element of urgency to the game, with players, coach and even the game's umpire itching for an early finish. The Blazers led by 9 points in the middle of the fifth inning, just one run shy of the "mercy rule" termination statute. Freshman Shirla Williams' subsequent single hit allowed another Blazer to run home and close out the game.

The Blazers next face Richard Montgomery away from home on Wednesday, April 14 at 6:00 p.m.