The softball team bounced back for a 11-5 victory over the Cor Jesu Chargers for their senior night on October 2.
It was the first time the Falcons have faced the Chargers since being defeated 7-3 in the second round of Districts last year, ending their postseason run. Head coach Chad Jones said this loss motivated the team to win this time around and gave them insight on how to make that victory come to life.
“Cor Jesu is a very aggressive team, and they jumped out on us early. The last time we played them, they scored five runs in the first inning, and they were super aggressive. So we were definitely prepared for that and ready to pitch them a little bit differently than we did last time. I think the girls definitely knew what had happened the last time, and that might have given them a little bit more of an edge to make sure they were ready to go,” Jones said.
The Falcons got off to a slow start, falling behind 1-0 in the first inning. Senior Faith Roberts, the team’s starting pitcher, said the team tried to take the game inning by inning and trust that their batters could put them on the scoreboard.
“Our coaches tell us [to] try and win the inning, or try to match what the other team does. If we can keep that competitive attitude and try to answer back every inning, then we’re in a good position to end the game where we want to. We have a very strong offensive lineup, so when everybody in the lineup comes up to the plate, we believe that they can be that person to get a run in or take a runner on base home,” Roberts said.
The team came back strong in the third inning, scoring six runs and adding on five more as the game progressed. Jones said the team was able to take the lead once they got used to Cor Jesu’s style of play.
“As the game goes on and they see the pitcher a couple times, they get settled into the game. We just have really good players, and they started playing up to their ability and that allowed us to kind of take off from there,” Jones said.
The team’s previous loss made this victory all the more special, as Roberts said it proved how much the team has improved on and off the field, and how this chemistry will carry them further than previous years.
“This was a good way for us to turn the page, and there was a huge difference from where our team was last year and where we are this year,” Roberts said. “Everyone, especially the senior class, has really pushed a positive and competitive team culture, which we very much struggled with last year. I think that made a big difference in our season overall. We have a great record, and I couldn’t be more excited moving into playoffs with this team because of how much fun we’ve had with each other.”
The Falcons have a 20-7 record and won the Suburban Yellow Conference earlier this month. Jones attributes the team’s success to their well rounded talent, allowing them to adapt to any of their competitors.
“Pitching wise, our pitchers have been super consistent. We don’t walk people, we don’t give free bases away. And then, you know, offensively, we’re scoring about eight runs a game. We have some very dynamic players. We can run, we can hit, we can kind of play whatever game you want to play,” Jones said.
