MDP 2011 Girls JV Softball Team: Panthers Rally in Downpour

The weather for Saturday was a very dreary forecast, for cold winds and drenching downpours. But the weather was not going to stop JV Panthers from putting some finishing touches on another great win. MDP was up against a very good opponent in IHM (Immaculate Heart of Mary) on Saturday under some very ominous clouds and a stiff wind, making the conditions more like a football game in November, then a softball game in mid-April.

MDP took an early lead with strong pitching from Emily and Maddie and some heads up fielding, but IHM made a comeback in the top of the second to take the lead. Despite the terrible weather conditions, the girls found some reserves and in the bottom of the forth with some clutch hits and aggressive base running took back the lead.

Rachel had a clutch hit to right field that brought in the go-ahead runs that put MDP in the lead in the bottom of the 4^th inning. The team rallied behind Rachel as she shut down the IHM batters with some great pitches, as the cold rain and wind continued to worsen in the top of the fifth inning. Katie was in the bullpen waiting her turn to face the opposition in the next inning, if the game continued in the downpour.

The girls were able to hold off the final surge by the opponent as everyone did the final “High Fives” as the heavens dumped buckets of water on both teams and their fans.

There were a number of great plays on Saturday with Tess grabbing the ball in the outfield relaying to Melanie at first, who then fired ball to Lauren at home, who managed to hang onto the ball despite the runner bearing down on her….definitely would have been an ESPN Highlight. Another infield play from Maddie at SS to Katie at first to Rachel at home was surely a thing of beauty.

Carley also grabbed a high fly ball as short-stop, even though the wind was carrying it every which way….“Pop Up” practice has really paid off.

Our aggressive base running got very exciting as Jaime was stealing second and the IHM catcher made a spectacular throw from home to second base. Jaime was able to make it to second safely, but the IHM player kept the ball in her hand and the Ump gave the play to the IHM in a very, very close play.

Gina, Marissa, Jaime and Tess comprised our outfield most of the day on Saturday and they were all very impressive in their ability to keep their focus and provide backup on every fielding play to not let IHM to get any multi-base hits. Our hats off to these girls for their contribution to the win on Saturday, it would not have been possible without them.

The girls are really very impressive how they support every member of the team, whether they are in the field or up to bat. They cheer no matter what the score, and show every team members how important they are each and every time they take the field.