Softball: End of Season 2016-2017

June 20, 2017

This season has been a success! We ended with a record of 12-2 and was ranked #2 for the playoffs seeding. We also made it past the first round for the playoffs.

Two of the games this season were extremely intense - they were against Long Island City high school. They are one of few teams who are able to hit against Claire, who is does fast-pitching. As a result, this forces the defense to remain attentive, alert, and focused. With so many hits, often times our defense felt overwhelmed by the runners, constantly making errors especially in the outfield. For one of these games, I played catcher for the first time which was extremely nervewracking, but still enjoyable. I loved the intensity, as a catcher is often behind every single play as soon as the pitcher releases the ball. I must catch the ball and be alert of who is on base. If I don't catch the ball, then the runners can easily steal the ball - and if I drop the ball on the third strike, then it is drop-third strike and the runner can advance to first base (unless I throw the ball to first before she gets there). Though it was my first time, I think did relatively well, especially in such a high pressure situation. I'd definitely love to continue playing this position, but because I played catcher the outfield weakened (as I normally play at center field). Thus, for the next game when we versed Long Island City I returned playing at center field, allowing there to be greater security in the outfield.

I also was nominated for the Battle of the Boroughs, which scared both me and Amelia. This was the event in which representatives from each borough were chosen at tryouts to play and compete against the best of the other boroughs. Surprisingly, it went much better than expected. I didn't feel nervous - perhaps because I felt as though there were no precedented expectations for me. I played with confidence and accuracy and still managed to be the starting center fielder! Many more balls came into the outfield during the game, which allowed me to feel more comfortable, as opposed to the traditional games I played during the season when balls rarely came into the outfield, so when it did it often caught me off guard. Queens also advanced to the final round, in which we versed Brooklyn. There, I collided with another outfielder when we both were going after a pop fly into the gap - this is why we "call for the ball." I got bruises throughout my body and could barely walk for the remainder of the week. Still, I will never forget this experience. Working with other amazing players in the borough and getting to know them was extremely rewarding. Moreover, I felt like I actually contributed to even the best of Queens through my cheers. It brought a lively, energetic, and supportive dynamic to the team that I was glad to bring out. Cheers are where we unite no matter where we come from, and this is something so special that I wouldn't be able to have elsewhere.