New team, new coaches, first game, first win. At a gloomy windy game in 50-degree weather, the Redhawks softball team won their season opener 5-4 on April 11. against Southwest Christian High School at Chaska Community Park.
This year the Spartans have formed a new co-op with Minnehaha Academy, called the Redhawks. At their season opener, the Redhawks took the win after being behind for the majority of the game. While the team dynamic is brand new, the team goes into their first game feeling amped. Before the game started, the team had a 40-minute bus ride to the field which helped team chemistry.
Second baseman Helen Frost looks forward to this routine before games: “A great way to prepare for games is riding the bus with our team because it helps set up team bonding time,” she said.
Softball scoring involves a hitter attempting to hit a pitch from the pitcher. If they hit the ball and it remains in the boundaries without being caught, they become runners, and attempt to reach first base. If they return home without being tagged out, their team scores a run.
Starting off the game strong, shortstop Tamari Christopher hit a home run within the first inning of the game. The crowd of parents and the dugout, packed with teammates, filled the air with loud cheering as Christopher ran to home plate, scoring the first run of the game.
“It felt very good because it was my first real game back from being injured and a really good way to start the season with the first game with a new co-op,” Christopher said.
At the top of the seventh inning, the Redhawks were down 2-4. Minnehaha captain Maddie Ciccarelli, The Redhawks pitcher, stepped up to the plate. With only a few chances to flip the game, Ciccarelli got ready to bat as the very attentive crowd cheered. After a long at-bat, Ciccarelli swung, smashing the ball through the air to the other far end of the field, helping her team by hitting a triple, winning the game.
Moving on from their first victory, the team feels proud and excited for the rest of their season as they get more depth within their team and participate in future games.
[5/2 UPDATE] Going into their May 3 home game, their record is 4-3-0. They play against Blake tomorrow at Neiman Sports Complex (Fort Snelling).
