Joseph Leech
The varsity boys’ softball team started warming up
on the College General field early Saturday morning, for their first game of
three total that they would play that day. Many of them were tired from their
first game on Friday, of which the Eagles were victorious, and from the hours
of nonstop action during Dalat's first Eagle Games.
During the Eagles first game, they gave it their
all against their opponent ISKL and came out on top, making their streak 2-0.
As the varsity boys left the field, the varsity girls and their opponents took the
field. Many of the varsity boys found shade on the hill and ate sunflower seeds
as the watched and cheered for the Lady Eagles. As the lady's game came to an
end the Dalat boys took to the field again to play their third game, many of
them were reluctant because of the scorching heat of the midday sun. Game three
seemed to be a bad one for the boys as they let ISKL score nine straight runs
early in the game. Towards the end, it seemed impossible for the Eagles to make
it back, but somehow they were able to hold off ISKL and make enough runs to
bring themselves ahead by two at the beginning of the last inning. All they
needed was to keep ISKL from making any runs. Luckily for the Eagles, Joseph
Sue (11) was on fire and caught three balls in a row, preventing ISKL from
making any runs and sealing the deal for the Eagles, making the record 3-0.
Later in the day, after a good lunch, the Eagles
once again took to the field for their fourth and final game against the
Panthers. Many of the players, at this point, were exhausted from the unforgiving
heat. Once again Dalat fell apart during an inning, making many mistakes that
led to ISKL scoring six runs. The Dalat Eagles, however, were not ready to give
up and wanted badly to sweep ISKL. They fought hard to catch up and, by the end
of their last batting, they were two runs ahead of ISKL, making them again have
to take to the field and hold the Panthers to lower than two point in order to
win the game. Dalat quickly made two outs with the help of Tim Sasse’s (11)
quick feet and fast, accurate throws to first. The Panthers now had two runners
on base and a big hitter up to bat. The Eagles prepared themselves as Teddy
Zimmer (10) began to pitch the ball. In order to win, they had to get the out
and keep any of these runners from making it home. Teddy pitched the ball and
the ISKL batter clobbered the ball. The softball went flying to left field and
seemed to be way over the heads of the outfielders. It looked like it was going
to be over and ISKL was going to make three runs. But at the last second, as
the left outfielder [Joseph Leech (12)] chased after the ball, he reached out
his arm and snagged the ball right before it hit the fence. This catch ended
the game, making the Eagles 4-0 and completely sweeping ISKL.
Saturday was a success for the Dalat varsity boys
as they won all four of their games. Many of the players struggled with the
heat, but they enjoyed their time none the less. “It was an extremely hot day,
but it was worth it and I enjoyed every second of it,” said Johnathan Park (12)
after the end of the fourth game. The varsity boys are now just waiting to hear
news about their next tournament, MSSPP, of which they plan to bring home a
gold medal from it.
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