Terrace Sotheby's Int'l Realty

Monday night's Junior Girls Softball All-Star match up with Middle Village proved to be an eye opening experience;for both teams. For the FH Junior Girls it was a look at the would be future of our own fledgling program; for Middle Village, a surprising display of talent from Forest Hills talented and tenacious girls' squad who, despite toughing it out through 5 scoreless innings, never showed signs of a weakening spirit. Starting pitcher Katherine lasted 2 1/3 innings, posting 1 strikeout and giving up 2 hits, 5 walks and 5 runs (though only 3 were earned). Help in the put-outs department came from Daniella who snagged a pop up at short stop and ground outs to second baseman Christiana and Meghan at first. With bases loaded and one out in the third inning, Lizzy came in for middle relief. She managed to put out the fire giving up just 2 more runs. She held court for 2 more innings (2 2/3 innings pitched) allowing no runs through innings 4 and 5. Lizzy logged 4 strikeouts and gave up 2 walks and 4 hits. Assisting Lizzy with put-outs were Christiana and Megan. Amanda took the ball, in relief, for the final inning. Amanda snagged an infield fly and managed 2 strikeouts, but gave up 4 walks, 3 hits that converted to 4 runs before the final inning was finished. Through the first 5 innings at the plate the FH junior girls recorded only 3 hits, a single apiece from Ariella and Katherine and a double from Casey. Also reaching base on walks (there were 6 after 5 innings) were Sara, Gabby, Christiana, Amanda and Lizzy. But none of these would convert to a run. With one last chance, and more than a ray of hope, the bottom of the 6th was led off by Taylor. After a two pitches were thrown for a 1-1 count, Taylor blasted an in the park, solo home run that went deep into the tall grass. Following Taylor, Sara and Christiana both reached base on walks. They would stay put when Megan flied out at short. In the next at bat, Katherine made it to first on a fielder's choice error that also allowed a speedy Sara to score from second with a perfectly executed just-under-the-tag slide into home. The FH dugout went nuts and chanted for the rally to go on but instead it hit the Middle Village wall with the next batters striking out and flying out to end the game. Though it was a loss in the books, it was an exciting and beautifully played game; one of the best I've seen this season and one I was proud to be a part of. Thanks, girls, for giving me such a memorable experience. I'm proud of each and every one of you: Amanda, Ariella, Casey, Chris, Daniella, Gabby, Jaclyn, Katherine, Lizzy, Meghan, Sara and Taylor. Thanks also, to the coaches who contributed their invaluable assistance, Danny, Kim, Larry and Mike. Coach Andrew