CLB-3 defeats Black Knights, takes first place in softball tournament

Marine Corps Base Hawaii
Story by Kristen Wong

Date: 08.31.2012
Posted: 08.31.2012 15:34
News ID: 94107
CLB-3 defeats Black Knights, takes first place in softball tournament

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii - “It’s up!”

That was the shout heard round the Riseley Field as the 101 Days of Summer Softball Tournament championship game yielded many fly balls, raised chins and sinking hearts ending in a win by Combat Logistics Battalion 3 against the Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 24 Black Knights, 12-8, Wednesday.

Orange and purple hues of the setting sun drew the curtain on the last game, and the last tournament of the year for the annual substance abuse prevention program.

CLB-3 coach Jason Garcia said he wished the tournament was longer, though he still felt the tournament went well. One of the toughest teams he said they encountered was MALS-24 Supply, whom they played the night before, and defeated to play the Black Knights.

“Even when our hitting wasn’t up to par, our defense kept us in the game,” Garcia said of the team. “In softball you’ve got to hit. Hitting’s key.”

Though CLB-3 credits its defense as its strength for getting them through their last two games. For the Black Knights, it was chemistry that kept the team going.

“We have a lot of fun together,” said Black Knights coach Joe Dunn. “We enjoy each other’s company.”

The first three innings sped by seemingly in the blink of an eye. The fourth and fifth innings lingered, bringing about a spree with the Black Knights scoring four runs and CLB-3 scoring 10. Many hits ended up popping up and after a tension-filled few seconds, all eyes went from the sky straight into the outfielder’s glove.

The game ended 12-8 with high fives on both ends, and a proud CLB-3 team taking pictures with their shiny new trophies.

Garcia said he wished his opponent the best of luck in future endeavors, and they played a great game. He thanked the Black Knights for giving CLB-3 a chance to play them, and he liked how the team was able to come together and encouraging each other during this last game, despite being behind in the beginning.

“CLB-3 representing!” exclaimed CLB-3 player Rodney Sanchez. “Both teams were hitting. It was a very good game.”

The Black Knights walked away with second place trophies in the 101 Days of Summer Softball Tournament.

“Great game, great tournament, we had fun,” said Black Knights first baseman Randy McElroy. “That’s all we’re here for.”