The Blue Falcons defeated JP-5, 30-1, in an intramural softball game at the main softball field here June 8.
The Blue Falcons were in complete control in every phase of play. A series of fly balls and home runs quickly cranked the Blue Falcons to over 10 runs.
JP-5’s center fielder, Ashley N. Marks, finally got the Blue Falcons off the field, by catching every fly ball that came center field.
JP-5 attempted to put runners on base, but the Blue Falcons caught every pop-up and ground ball, swiftly derailing JP-5’s chances of scoring. At the end of the first inning, the score was 18-0.
“We’ve never been that high up in the first inning before,” said Justin M. Penn, Blue Falcons outfielder. “I was just waiting to see what they had to offer with their batting.”
At the start of the second inning, the Blue Falcons realized their previous mistake of hitting to center field and adjusted accordingly when they took the field again.
JP-5 changed their defensive strategy, shifting players to different positions at the start of the second inning. The defensive switch did not help as the team seemed to be more out of position than before.
A triple and two singles resulted in bases loaded for the Blue Falcons. Travis W. Goodwin, Blue Falcons outfielder, hit a grand slam to left field, making the score 22-0 at the bottom of the second inning.
JP-5 was unable to rebound from the ever escalating deficit, finishing the inning with no runs.
The Blue Falcons continued to crack fly balls deep over to left field, recording several home runs in the process, upping the score to
26-0 at the bottom of the third.
A series of pop flys close to home plate by the Blue Falcons resulted in JP-5 up to bat again.
The team seemed to finally have its hitting down, sending several balls to center field. The hits didn’t result in any runs for the team as the Blue Falcons got JP-5 off the field yet again. The score was 26-0 at the end of the third.
The Blue Falcons finally capped their score for the night, making four more fly balls deep between center and left fields, with a score
of 30-0.
JP-5 continued to play, finally scoring with a fly ball to center field.
JP-5 was it’s own worst enemy throughout the game. The loss was not too heartfelt said Princess V. Woodside, JP-5 center fielder.
“We came out here to have fun,” said Woodside. “We had our heads held high, and that’s all that matters.”
Even with the score as one-sided as it was, the Blue Falcons felt there was still room for improvement. The score did not reflect their true talent said James A. Engels, Blue Falcons second baseman.
The Blue Falcons took what would be a weakness to most teams and turned it into a strength.
“We never consistently play with nine guys,” said Penn. “It’s always different because we’re shift workers, but we’re able to pull together.”
The softball season continues with more teams rising and falling throughout the season, the ultimate goal is to win the softball championship. It remains to be seen whether JP-5 can rebound from this setback and progress forward in time for the playoffs.