Making Mush of the Huskies: Webster 17, Ritenour 2

It wasn’t pretty, particularly, but we walked, then ran, our way to our first (JV) conference championship when the “other” orange and black, the Ritenour Huskies, paid us a visit. If they were impressed by our reputation, they declined to show it and were aggressive in the first inning, using a walk and a couple misplays on a bunt to score their first two runs.

Turns out it was also their last two. Despite lots of base runners on walks, there were no hits against our two pitchers, Nicola Rikand, who picked up her second victory, and Taylor Knapp who closed out the game.

We didn’t generate a lot of hits, either, managing only 5 in our almost 4 innings of play. Three of those were of the extra base variety, including loud triples from our CF combo, Jessica Peterson and Rebekah Riefle and a bases clearing 3-run double from Nicola to cap a 9-run first inning, the last 7 of which came with two outs. The last three also came with two outs in the bottom of the fourth and brought the game to an early finish via the 15-run rule.

Most of our offense was given to us, with an uncharacteristic 7 walks (plus a hit batsman) from the Huskies hurler; those passes were supplemented with another 7 reached on error gifts and at least a half dozen wild pitches or passed balls, allowing runs to score. As crisp as yesterday’s game was, this felt different, even if it generated the expected outcome.

The best part of the game? That our girls supported their teammates throughout, cheering each other on with a team-first attitude. As Jack Buck used to say, “Now, that’s a winner!”

We’ll see everyone Saturday on Field 2 at Affton Athletic at 7:15, with an 8 a.m. start time, as we look to extend our winning streak for three more games past its current 7 and continue to grow our 18-2 record.

Pioneers at a Loss. Webster 7, Kirkwood 0

If the Pioneers of Kirkwood thought we had gained a lucky win in our last meeting, they might be rethinking.

After our last game, in our post-game autopsy, I told the girls that even though we had won, “The good news is, we can play better.” Today we showed that. Coach Cerutti echoed the thoughts of the coaching staff when he told the girls, “This didn’t look like a JV team.” We looked like a good softball team, one that knows how to play the game and does it the right way.

Adding to the perpetual pleasure of defeating the red and white of the ‘Wood was that it happened on “Sophomore Day,” when the freshmen took time out to honor (and generate hugs and more than a few tears from) the leadership corps that has helped make this such a special team, a true team in every sense of the word. We have 14 softball players, and they proved it today, with support for each other and a love for the game. And now, yes, really truly, we did set the Webster record for JV victories, notching #17 (eclipsing last year’s 16-win season) behind Kelly Collins’s shutout, 5 RBI from Nicola Rikand and Hannah Jansen, and some great defense, especially the Right Side Leatherettes of Megan Hayes, Maya Litton and Jessica Peterson.

When people asked me how we were going to be this year, my standard response was, “Remember how good we were last year? I think we’re going to be better.” Thankfully, the girls proved me right. We plan to keep the winning streak going tomorrow as we take on the Huskies of Ritenour for the conference title. That game will give us a chance to show off our depth once again, building out experience levels for the weekend tournament.

We finish up our season next Tuesday with ice cream at Serendipity after the game. Sweet finish to a sweet season.

Okay, I wasn’t going to add more pix because it’s late and I’m working tomorrow and I still haven’t printed out the lineup, but I went through them and just couldn’t let them not see blog-life. Pay particular attention, if you would, to the 5-picture sequence on a sacrifice bunt -- so many things being done right, including back-up coverage by JP. So many things to smile about and I’m still sitting on another 100 + shots.

Taking Care of Business: Webster 16, Fox 2

We travelled to Fox (of the $2 gate ticket and artificial turf) with two objectives in mind: 1) win the game to tie the record for most JV wins in a season; 2) provide opportunities to play to girls who have worked hard and improved their game but have not had the chance to show it as much as we all would have liked. Check and check. Behind strong pitching, defense (Megan Hayes!), and 20 hits (including a Kelly Collins homer and a Hannah Jansen triple), we jumped out early and added on steadily en route to a 16-2 6-inning victory.

I know this starts to get old (does winning ever get old? Really? Uh, no.), and I admit, wordsmith that I am, that I’m having trouble coming up with new ways to praise this team. After this game I was talking to a former student whose daughter plays for Fox (she’s injured, out for the season) and told him how great the girls were (not how good of players they were). I said, “And they’re pretty good….” at which point his daughter interjected, “No, they’re VERY good.”

We’ll just leave it there. Join us at home for a grudge rematch against Kirkwood (this year it’s their grudge) and the wrap up of our first JV conference championship when we take on Ritenour on Thursday. That leaves our 3-game Hancock tournament and the finale against Cor Jesu Tuesday. Thanks for your support.

Reminder: please let me know about your decision on the photobooks as soon as you can. These are just a few from today because it is late.

Falcon Wings Clipped: Webster 14, Summit 3

Heading into this afternoon’s conference tilt against the Summit Falcons we had a 3-0 conference record and a 14-2 overall mark.

We clipped the Falcons’ wings in the top of the first, turning a sacrifice bunt into a double play thanks to heads up play by Megan Hayes (2B) and Carissa Castro (who moved from 2B to LF for this game) and then flew around the bases ourselves, running Summit out of the game and ourselves into contention for an undefeated conference season. (Ritenour will visit on Thursday to complete our conference schedule.)

Behind Taylor Knapp’s consistent pitching in the circle and Kelly Collins four straight hits at the top of the lineup, we jumped out with a 6-run first and were never really threatened again, giving us a chance to let all our players the opportunity to contribute. One of the joys of this team, for me as a coach, is the unselfishness I see every game. That attitude is a tribute the character of these 14 good players and great young women.

Thanks to the girls for the pictures of today’s contest. We travel to Fox on Monday, and will try to give the girls who have been role players, for the most part, a chance to shine. We are lucky enough to be able to field a competitive team no matter who is in uniform.

We will practice Tuesday in preparation for “Sophomore Day” against the added Wednesday home game against Kirkwood, a chance to honor our six super sophs and the leadership they have brought to the 2017 Statesmen. Thursday against Ritenour wraps up our conference schedule and a real chance to celebrate a conference championship (unofficial, of course). We have the Hancock Tournament next weekend, at Affton Athletic, where we will try to defend our 3 straight championships.

We close the season on Tuesday, Oct. 4 with a final home game against Cor Jesu, followed by a visit to Serendipity and a team celebration of what I expect will be a record-setting season. I am collecting orders for the photobooks, a chance to support the program and get a great souvenir of your daughter’s season. You’ve only seen a few of the many pictures from which our editors will be choosing.