Declawedl Cats: WG 15, Hazelwood West 0

Two programs going in opposite directions. It wasn’t that long ago that Hazelwood West was a serious competitor, but while we’re adding teams and talent, the declawed Wildcats are struggling to find players at all, much less players with experience. I credit the Feeder League for that.

Here’s the main takeaway from today’s 15-0 win over Hazelwood West. It’s not news to me or Coach Cerutti or Coach Wylie, but it’s something I shared with the girls today, and now with you, the readers. 

Of the many things I like about this team, perhaps what I like best is how they take care of their business, take responsibility for their preparation. They don’t need us to yell at them to get going, or warm up, or take care of their own or the team equipment. They know what they need to do and go about doing it. While we’re talking about a softball team, this is a valuable life skill that these young women are growing.

There really wasn’t much to the game. We probably could have scored our needed 15 runs in the first inning or two, but there was no need so we put on the brakes and the mercy rule wasn’t triggered until 2 outs in the bottom of the third. We hit what could, played solid defense and went home early.

Tomorrow might be something similar as we take on the Crusaders of Cor Jesu over at Affton. We are looking forward to evening up the playing time and ABs (no, spell-check, not abs) of our valuable reserves – which brings up one final point and another thing I really like about the players on this team. They are good, unselfish teammates, willingly giving up time, without complaint, for their teammates when asked, understanding that we are more than a group, we’re a team.

Did I mention how much I like these girls? Yeah, thought so. Check back for pictures.

Surfin' Safari, Riding the Waves to an Easy Win: WG 21, Festus 3

It’s JV Softball and the one thing you know is that you never know. We travelled south to Festus down a player (freshman 3B Morgan Lawrence, who was ill), prepared to try to cage some tough Tigers. 

The safari ended quickly, if not officially, when we put up a 7-spot in the top of the first and Olivia Leaver, with defensive help from Taylor Smith who slid over to third from short, put up a quick zero. We added on each inning, and except for a field goal in the second quarter, I mean inning, clamped down on defense and walked, ran and hit our way to a 21-3 win, as Nicola Rikand threw two hitless innings to close things out. 

With hits up and down the lineup and speed putting pressure on the Tigers’ defense, it was just a matter of time before we decamped back to STL with our eighth win and pushed our record back over the .500 mark.

Hazelwood West comes to visit Tuesday and we head over to Affton Athletic Association to take on Cor Jesu in what we expect to be competitive games before prepping for the Fox JV Tournament next weekend. But the girls get this weekend, a long one because we’re including tomorrow in it, off and resume practice on Monday. Lots of noise and energy today as the girls cheered and supported each other and made Coach Kate’s bus ride a worthwhile trip.

The camera never escaped the backpack today, so the only pic we have is from a warm up game the girls invented (to practice their ABCs) as we waited for the bus.

This game, getting all the way through the alphabet song before the crumpled paper bag hit the ground proved slightly more challenging than our opponents today. See you at the field on Tuesday.

Late Start, Quick Finish: WG 20, Hazelwood West 0

It was almost 3:45 by the time we were on our way to Hazelwood West to take on the Wildcats. Although the game didn’t start until a little after 4:30 we were on our way home by 5:30, even spending time celebrating Friday’s birthday with cookies, cake, and a 20-0 (her number is 20) shutout. It takes a little time to score that many runs, and the final inning featured two “Code Blue” calls (our runner leaves early to generate an out).

Taylor Knapp was extremely efficient, throwing 27 strikes out of the 30 pitches it took to finish her three innings. Our defense wasn’t really tested but made the plays to score the three other outs besides strikeouts. Our batters adjusted to the slow tosses of the ‘Cats hurler and, well, the game was essentially over quickly. The girls showed a lot of class, played their game, but treated their opponents with respect. “Win with class, lose with class” is the WG mantra and our players do a great job with that.

We have the “late” game tomorrow against Cor Jesu at Affton, then finish the week at home against arch-rival Kirkwood.

Myah King gets the first out of the game with a strong throw to Lydia Beggs.

Taylor Knapp tied the school record for career JV pitching victories, notching her 20th in the circle.

Sophomore Caitlyn Boyle, in her first year of softball, is developing her bunting/slapping skills, and batting over .600. Today she had three hits and a walk.

Lydia Beggs plays a variety of roles, both corner IF spots, DP, and team leader.

Myah King and Taylor Smith go for a shot looper. Myah got the ball and a bit of Taylor's face.

Oh No! No, Not That. A No-No. Webster 10, Hazelwood West 0

It’s funny how match-ups work. I can’t remember ever beating Hazelwood West, nor can I remember every feeling we shouldn’t beat them. I think Festus (next Thursday) probably feels the same way about us (although they did win 3-0 last year in a game-shortened contest). So when the Wildcat coach bemoaned that they had really only faced one good team (Francis Howell Central) I just agreed that they were a good team and didn’t tell him how badly we had beaten them just the day before. Softball can be a funny game. We were a little flat, from warm-up through the end of the game, but prevailed 10-0.

Against their #2 pitcher we had trouble generating offense (we actualy hit the ball harder against their lefty in the 4^th inning.

Behind Kelly Collins’s no hitter (and no ball hit very hard and 8 strike outs), and a big 6-run 3^rd inning, a close game broke open, thanks to Maya Litton’s big 2-RBI single. Sarah Sammon, giving Hannah a break behind the plate, brought Maya home. We tacked on 3 more in the 4^th and when Kelly completed her no-no (a tough error was the only blemish), the game was over.

Which, at the request of some parents, provides the segue needed to offer this brief lesson on the run rule in fast-pitch softball. A 15-run (or more) run lead after 3 (or 4) innings ends the game. So does a 10-run (or more) lead after at least 5 innings also completes the contest. So, if the fifteenth run scores in the bottom of the 3^rd or 4^th inning, the game is over. The same is true if the tenth run scores in the bottom of the 5^th or 6^th. The home team always gets the chance to close the gap, of course.

As we head into Saturday’s tournament, our record stands at 8-0 and we have outscored our opponents by a cumulative, and ridiculous, 121-10 margin in 35 innings of play.

The danger is that a good team will catch us flat. We’ll work to try to keep that from happening when we play Timberland Saturday morning at 8 a.m. The bus will be one way and the girls have assured me that everyone has a ride home from the tournament. If a player is riding with someone other than her parent, I would appreciate written notification, either via email or even antediluvian paper.

Best Game Yet: Webster 6, Francis Howell Central 4

I don’t want to say I told you so, but, in fact, I told you so. This game was tougher and more enjoyable, as we beat a good Francis Howell Central squad, 6-4. Some games you win because you’re just that much better than your opponent. Some games you win because your opponent plays badly. But it’s really fun when you win because you played better than a strong opponent.

That was the case today, as we pitched better, ran better, and defended better. Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy tells us Rule #1: “Don’t Panic.” Because we didn’t, the Spartans left 10 runners aboard. There were innings that could have gotten away from us, but we made the plays and took advantage of our opportunities and put pressure on their defense with aggressive base running.

I think the girls were as proud of themselves as Coach Fechtel and I were of them, not just their performance, and it was outstanding, but their spirit and attitude. We continue to grow as individuals, but most importantly, as a team. Our sophomores have done a great job in the leadership department on that front. It is my pleasure to work with them, and the freshmen who are following them, on this journey. Speaking of journeys, our road trip tomorrow to Hazelwood West plus the weekend tournament will offer more chances to show our skills.

Check back later and I’ll add the pictures of Amy Jo Love. For now you’ll have to be satisfied with the box score and your imagination.

Sophomores are providing great leadership.

Noel called a great game for Josie behind the plate

Outstanding IF defense today

Frosh Claire Kellick played well at bat and afield.

Sophomore Skyler Jones made a good catch in right.

Leadoff hitter Elise Keller is also making her presence felt in CF, solidifying us up the middle.

One of 5 assists for sophomore third sacker Julia Love, and teammate Zoe Schultz has her back.

Zoe Schultz had two key hits, stole a base, and played good defense. #stickerworthy

Freshman Rebekah Riefle had to dive for the final out, made the play to close out a Spartan rally.