This Tuesday, Frederick Girls Softball celebrated their six seniors after a season full of triumph. Going into the game with an overall record of 13-5, they added another victory after beating the Silver Creek Raptors 8-0.
To start the game, senior Elayna Fisher pitched with fellow senior Izzy Horne as the catcher. Both of them remained for the rest of the game, Fisher pitching a handful of strikeouts and Horne making critical calls behind home plate.
Fisher commented, saying that “It was such a great experience getting to pitch, but I couldn’t have done it without my girls behind me. I can rely on them and that’s what allows me to do my job for the team.”
When Frederick was first on the offensive, sophomore Ella Stromberg got the first run in the bottom of the first. She helped set the tone for the much anticipated senior night game.
While Frederick put players on the bases, over the next innings, small mistakes deterred them from scoring runs until the bottom of the fourth inning.
The bats came alive in the fourth. Lead off hitter, senior Brealea Stendel singled with a deep ball into left field. Next up, Fisher made it to first and Stendel made it to second. Sophomore Brynn Leitner, singled to load the bases for senior Natalie Sias.
Natalie’s run batted in (RBI) sent Stendel across the plate, brining the score to 2-0. Sophomore Elena Starr collecte two RBIs with a line drive, increasing the lead to 4-0.
As Frederick continued to dominate, Silver Creek was still fighting to get back into the game, Though they made valant attempts, Silver Creek was unable to score on Frederick in the top of the fifth.
Frederick loaded on another four runs in the bottom of the fifth with hits from Stromberg, Jr. Eva Purnell, Sr. Madi Schanz, and Jr. Taygan Clapp bringing the game to its final score to 8-0.
After the game, the program celebrated their six seniors: Elayna Fisher, Izzy Horne, Lyla Kuhn, Madi Schanz, Natalie Sias, and Brealea Stendel.
Senior catcher Izzy Horne thought “I felt that the parents, coaches, and especially the underclassmen made each senior feel loved and special.”
The night was filled with laughter and tears as the seniors walked from home plate to the pitcher’s plate. They were greeted with parting gifts as their coach read off their accomplishments, post-grad plans, and messages to their parents.
Horne continued by saying, “the Senior Parents brought it to life. They have always supported us whether it be just watching the games or picking us up after a rough game. They have been there for us and this was just another example and I’m glad that we were able to have them by our sides for this Senior year milestone.”
Similarly to many sports programs across Frederick, many of these girls have been playing together since they were little. Recalling her time playing softball, Lyla Kuhn said that “It’s always so special to remember we are not just playing a sport but creating a family of love and support we will have for the rest of our lives.”
She also added how, “even at the hardest of times, we always are able to bring each other back up. I’ve really cherished playing with the girls I’ve played with since I was very little and continuing to be coached by Coach Clapp, who has always been there for me.”
So although the night ended in tears, it’s a game the girls and their families will remember for a lifetime.
