Varsity softball: Lady Cowboys take on South Plantation

BY HAILEY BROWN

The Lady Cowboys had planned a special ceremony to be held before their first home game. Before the game, both teams got together to honor the tragedy that took place at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. There were 17 candlelit bags placed around the pitcher’s mound to honor the 17 lives lost. As each name was read, a player from each team joined together and walked to the mound, with a rose in their hands. At the end, 17 balloons were let go as there was a moment of silence just before the game started.

On Wednesday, February 21, the Lady Cowboys faced off against South Plantation in their first home game of the season. Both teams fought hard, making plays and gaining points, but the Cowboys were able to bring home the win, ending the game with a score of 4-1.

South Plantation started at bat while the Cowboys were on defense. South Plantation’s second batter, Amber Grieve, hit a pop to second baseman, Kyleigh Sprigle, who was able to catch it and get the first out of the inning. Next at bat was Haylee Boehm, who was able to get base hit to left center, moving Melinek to third and her to first. The Cowboy’s pitcher, Jasmin Herrera, was able to strike out Madison Schlecker, giving the Cowboys two outs. Grace Sobek hit a fly to center where Kassandra Espinosa was able to get the third out and end the top of the first inning. South Plantation was ready for the Cowboys. Pitcher Ashley Hishon walked first at bat for the Cowboys, Brenna Lokeinsky; however, the team was able to get three consecutive outs on the next three batters.

The Cowboys came out strong on defense, getting three quick outs on the first three batters, putting themselves on offense. Junior Michelle Adelman was able to hit a homerun on the first pitch and put the Cowboys ahead by 1-0 in the second inning. South Plantation was able to get three quick outs shortly after.

The Cowboys kept up their defense, getting three easy outs, giving themselves another scoring opportunity. Lokeinsky was able to get on base due to an error made by the second baseman. Beka Erenthal was able to hit an RBI, bringing Lokeinsky home, putting the Cowboys ahead by two points. A wild pitch made by the South Plantation pitcher gave Erenthal an opportunity to get to second base, and later steal third. Adelman was up next and was also able to hit an RBI, bringing Erenthal home and making the score to 3-0.

Both teams were able to get three easy outs and move in to the top of the fifth inning. Melinek slapped and was able to get on first base. Amanda Maitland was up next and was able to bunt, moving Melinek to third base and herself to first. Hishon was able to get a base hit RBI and bring Melinek home, putting the score at 3-1.

Both teams were able to hold each other until the bottom of the sixth inning. Adelman was walked to start the inning. Shortly after, Adriana Crespo was able to hit a double, putting a runner on second and third base. Adelman was thrown out at home while trying to tag up, but the Cowboys were able to get another run. Amanda Gettys got a base hit RBI, bringing home Crespo and ending the game with a score of 4-1.

Photo by Ryan Sullivan