In Reply to: bottom of the 7th it's now or never ... posted by barrya on May 21, 2023 at 02:12:04
this is the way the softball season ends - not with a bang but a whimper
2-1 Liberty
Yanez gave up only three hits - but one was the HR and the other came in the top of the 7th and drove in the winning run on a very close play at the plate - throw from short left was on time but a bit high (a foot or so high) and the runner made a terrific slide and touched the place a fraction before the tag got to her.
But Bob's question was decisive - we got 7 hits but one HR - solo of course - and the other six we squandered. We had one runner thrown out trying to steal second (great throw and she was out by a mile) and another doubled up off first after a liner to the second baseman.
Think i'll just stick with my t.s. eliot quote above.
Thing is, Oklahoma was clearly superior this year so despite a very good team and season, in the long run this loss wasn't as disappointing as Beach Volleyball in which we dominated the season and had defeated SC three out of four duals but, with they beat our #2 pair which was a surprise (we beat their #1 pair which was also a surprise) and then they strung several really good points in a row from the match been all but tied at 10 in the 15 point third set to beat our #3 pair and take the championship. That one was a shock.
Men's VB came through like Women's soccer, FB actually won 9 games, women's BB looked good although altogether too young this season, and men's BB got absolutely all that was possible out of a terrific and very familiar and experienced team with two outstanding freshmen in key positions.
Pretty good year, it was.
For the future - this was a very, very young softball team. If they can replace the pitching, they should be outstanding again next year. Women's BB with the rookies a year older should be a top ten national team - at least. FB once again has a pretty easy schedule and should have a good passing attack and more of a defense, men's BB is rebuilding but has some pretty exciting pieces about which to rebuild. '23-'24 should be a lot of fun