Softball Makes School History with Playoff Run

May 22, 2012
Filed under Sports

The fans are cheering, and the cameras are flashing. As the final pitch is thrown silence fills the stadium. Onlookers stand motionless as the ball nears the batter, and then it happens. The only sound heard is the clank of the bat against the ball. Everyone stands to their feet to celebrate the memorable play.

After an exciting playoff run the War Eagle softball team made history being the first team to make it past Area and move on to Regionals.

“We had so much potential to be the best team Oak Ridge has ever had. We got the opportunity to make history here and took advantage of it,” Junior, Sydni Smith said.

 The team has faced many obstacles this year, and has learned to come together to work them out as a team.

“Learning from our loses has taught us the importance of being a solid team. It’s made us stronger,” Varsity Head Coach Amanda Brimberry said.

 This year’s team has worked hard in practice and stayed mentally tough throughout the whole season.

 ”Not only have we been focusing on impoving our plays, but we have been keeping confidence in each other as well,” Senior and first baseman Alayna Ammons said.

 The team has learned to come together and be more like a family.

 ”We have become closer than ever before.The team doesn’t play as individuals, we have become one,” Junior and center fielder Carley Latta said.

 The most memorable game is the first playoff game against Klein Oak.

 ”The best game this season would be our first playoff game. There was no doubt in my mind that we were going to win that game, I’ve never wanted to win a game more. We never gave up and came out with a win, what more could you ask for,” Smith said.

 More fearless than ever before the softball team brought their winning attitude to Weimer. Knowing that the game could give Oak Ridge a title that they’ve never had before, the team put in their all.

 ”We knew this could have been the beginning of something that has never happened here before. We wanted to give our school something to be proud of, and we accomplished that,”

 After all the blood, sweat, and tears shed this season, they are looking forward to coming back next year with the same fight and intensity to take them all the way to state.

 ”The feeling you get when you’re on the field is like no other. Knowing that you can end the game with one swing of a bat or one catch is emotional. I’m hoping to make it to state next year and even win it all,” Latta said.