WIZARDS WALK OFF

By MATT BENSON

In a tight battle Tuesday, the Wizards edged out the Pine Bush Bushmen in dramatic fashion. The game had been full of offensive firepower as the bats were off to a hot start from the beginning.  The score was 2-2 after the first inning and the girls’ momentum did not waver.   With this win, the Wizard softball team stands at 5-3.

MATT BENSON FOR THE WIZARD WEEKLY

The Wizards would have fallen behind early if it had not been for senior captain, Emily Nagle.  She has decided to continue her academic and athletic career at SUNY Plattsburgh next year.  The shortstop had a three run triple to tie the game in the first inning, and she didn’t cool off from there.  Nagle ended her day three for four in her plate appearances with two more singles.  She expressed that “every win is a team win… and we win because we play as a team.”  This could not be any truer about their game on Tuesday.  Every player on the team reached base safely at least once. 

Wizards also gained support from their left fielder.  Taylor Connington went three for four with two runs batted in.  The sophomore made a tremendous impact on the game.  Connington hit three singles throughout the game.  Her RBI single in the second inning gave Washingtonville the lead, but the Bushmen came back and took control of the game.

Fortunately, the Wizards had other plans. They were down four runs in the seventh inning when the girls’ team quickly retired the first two leadoff batters in the bottom of the seventh. Then, they rallied and tied the game at 8 after seven straight batters reached safely. With bases loaded and the winning run on third base, senior Lauren Horowitz was at the plate. She hit a fly ball to center field. The game winning run scored, and the team celebrate Horowitz’s walk-off single.  When the senior was asked about how it felt to come through for her team, she responded, “I was so excited for myself, but also for my team. It was a great team win and everyone played their part in winning.”

The softball team’s next game is on May 10th inWarwick at 6:00! Make sure to come out and support the girls!