First Game of the Season For Girls Slo-pitch

On Thursday, May 2, the senior girls slo-pitch team hosted Central King’s High School at the St. Croix field for their first official game of the season.

 

The first couple of innings proved to be challenging, as the team was working to build confidence in their new positions and navigating “first game” jitters. Central King’s had a strong start, earning four runs right off the bat (pun intended), which allowed the girls the opportunity to dig deep and work together as a team. Feeling motivated, they engaged in solid defensive plays that brought forth our first double play of the season with our pitcher, Gretchen Archibald '24, and first basewoman, Sabine Wellard '24. Using the momentum and support of the team, Emma Lawton '26 tried her hand at third base, having only joined the team last week. In that same inning, she fearlessly caught her first infield pop-fly, getting the batter out, and quickly learned how to engage in forced plays.

 

When the team was up to bat, newcomer Tammy Oyebanji '26 impressed us with her speed and agility running between the bases, earning one of the team’s first runs. Co-captains Kate Lukeman '24 and Brooklynn Hayman '24 fostered a positive attitude, maintaining morale as they effectively communicated the next plays to their teammates and nurtured an inclusive environment for all to take risks, make mistakes, and have fun doing it. In the final inning, returning from injury, Molly Dickinson '26 took her place on the mound and pitched for the first time this season. While it took her some time to get into her rhythm, with the encouragement she received from the team, she was able to successfully pitch the entire inning.

 

The Highlanders won 14-13, making it a rewarding experience for the team. The coaches are extremely proud of this team and their unwavering enthusiasm and positive attitude.

 

The Highlanders host NKEC next week on Monday, May 6. We hope to see you there!