The road to State

Update…here’s the newspaper report on the games.  

Today was the day that decided which NEA League 1A teams would go to State.  Riverside was playing Deer Park for the District Championship at 2pm.  Before that game the league awarded the All League team members.  Olivia and Emma made All League again this year.  Riverside was awarded the NEA League Championship trophy as well.  

The District Championship began.  It was a fight till the end but the Rams ended up short losing 2-1.  Olivia pitched the entire game in 90 degree heat.  She did so well.  Emma is still super sick and did everything in her power to try to get the win too.  It was a very disappointing loss.

The Rams had one more shot to make it to state, however it meant back to back games (remember...90 degree heat!).  Olivia was so angry...she really wanted this bad.  Emma was the same.  The coach started a new pitcher in the game.  The first inning the opposite team scored 3 runs, Rams scored 2.  The second inning the oppoents scored 2 more runs...Rams scored 0...so now the score was 5-2.  The third inning the opponents scored 4 more runs bringing it to 9-2.  Coach tried out 2 pitchers in those 3 innings and finally brought Olivia in.  She pitched once in the 3rd for a pop fly which Olivia caught for the out.  Rams scored 1 run in the third...now 9-3.  Olivia pitched the remainder of the game and the opponent did not score any more runs.  Rams scored 5 more runs in the 5th inning making it 9-8.  Then in the bottom of the 7th, Rams scored one more run to tie it 9-9...resulting in an extra inning.  Olivia once again pitched and no one scored.  The Rams 8th inning started with a single by Allison followed by Emma hitting a ground ball but Allison was out due to interferring with the play (so 1 out, 1 on base).  Emma steals to 2nd during the next batter who ends up hitting a single.  Next batter strikes out, however Emma has now stolen to 3rd and the batter behind her is on 2nd.  So now 2 outs, 2 on base and it's still a tie.  Lexie was up to bat next...at full count she singles on a ground ball and Emma sprints in and scores!  GAME OVER!!!  Rams win 10-9...What a come back!!!  For the first time ever, the Riverside Fastpitch Softball Team earns a spot at State!  I am so proud of my girls...they are both fighting horrible colds but they never let down.  I'm so excited to seem them at State...they so deserve this!

Grami captured me doing what I do every game this season. 

Tiffany was there through it all today.  So glad to see her!