A Friendly Yet Competitive Game

By Karissa Steinkamp

            The 3:50 bell rang and eighteen high school girls rushed to the gym. With mitts in their hands, they made their way up to Upper Field, ready for the challenge that laid ahead. The girls began to warm-up by throwing to a partner as they eyed the competition once they made their way to the field. After ten minutes or so of warm up, the captains were called to do the coin toss. With Boyie Chin (12) representing the varsity girls’ team, the girls won the coin toss giving them the opportunity to choose to field first. After a few warm-up pitches done by Felicia Teoh (11), the first batter was up and the varsity girls versus the staff and parents game commenced.

An hour ticked by with the two teams battling it out. The score was neck-and-neck for most of the game. With Mrs. Renae Roberts pitching for the staff team, the adult team united together, creating a cohesive, competitive team. The game allowed staff members that have had an impact on the varsity player’s lives and parents to enjoy a friendly, light hearted game of softball. As Aunt Jan Hogan said, “I had a really great time playing with the varsity girls’ team! It didn’t bother me one bit when they got me out every time I batted! I hope it was good practice for the upcoming MSSPP softball tournament.” It also gave the girls a chance to interact with staff members without the confinement of a classroom.

Cheryl Yeap (12) said, “The student/staff game was fun and competitive. It was eye-opening and very funny to see teachers go all-out on the field. It was hilarious to see the compassionate side of teachers in the classroom versus their competitive and wild side on the field.”

 Mary-Claire McIntyre (12) said, “The softball game was a ton of fun. It was awesome watching my parents play. It was an intense game because the adults had quick throws and great softball knowledge.”

The purpose of the game was to not only to play against staff and parents but to also gain game experience. With MSSPP around the corner, the girls’ team desired to play against another team in order to work out some kinks before entering the state tournament. And that it did.

 “It was the first staff game we’d ever played, and it was quite fun! It was a great batting and fielding practice playing against older and more experienced players—just what our team needed before MSSPP,” said Felicia Teoh (12)

Although the staff pulled ahead in the last inning, the game was declared a tie as the girls didn’t get their last chance up to bat due to time. The hour scrimmage taught the girls many skills that could only be taught through game situations. The staff versus student game will be remembered as a friendly, yet competitive, game filled with good playing, sweat, and laughter.