The #4 Sabers were ready to play, jumping out to an early 6-1 lead in the second inning. Grinding out hits, remaining aggressive on the base paths and stringing together runs. Freshman Izzy V. started the rally with the first of five consecutive hits. In the circle of fire, sophomore pitcher Eliza B. kept Packer off balance and the Spence defense hunkered down to play great defense in the 4th inning with an efficient 1-2-3 inning on just 4 pitches.  

 

Things took a turn for the favored #2 Packer Pelicans in the 4th inning as the opponents erased the deficit, tying the game at 7 with a 4 run rally of their own. The Sabers' countered with a change of speed, sending junior hurler, Fiona F. in relief of Eliza. In the bottom of the 5th inning, Packer scratched out a single run to take a one-run lead into the final two frames, but it was clear their bats had yet to find a rhythm with Fiona as she struck out 2 of 3 in the inning.

 

No runs in the 6th inning for either team set up a winner take all 7th inning, with the Sabers needing at least a run to extend the game. The Spence 7th inning started off with an incredibly patient plate appearance from Eliza, coaxing out a lead-off walk before stealing 2nd base. What followed was another key hit from Izzy and senior, Emma D. punching an infield hit that scored Eliza for the game tying run. The Sabers were far from done, as Izzy's aggressive base running had her plate the go-ahead run on a ball to the back stop and 8th grader Cameron K.'s situational hitting, with a sacrifice to the right side of the infield, pushed the insurance run across the plate.  

 

Leading 9-7, the Sabers steadied themselves for the bottom of the 7th. Eliza, who had switched positions with Fiona, calmly scooped up a ground ball and fired it to sophomore, Mary Ben A. for the 1st out of the inning. The next batter to the plate mustered a walk and stole 2nd base, but the Sabers were not distracted. Fiona struck-out the next batter for the inning's 2nd out and Mary Ben picked up a slow roller up the first baseline and stepped on the bag to send the sun-backed crowd into a frenzy.

 

In a clear reflection of the steely determination and the composure which comes from preparation it was a complete team CHAMPIONSHIP effort.  

 

Congratulations to the Spence Sabers 2017 AAIS Tournament Softball Champions!

 

Eliza B.

Kai S.

Chloe S.

Adia K.

Isabelle R.

Mary Ben A.

Cate O.

Emma D.

Fiona F.

Hayden R.

Izzy V.

Cameron K.

Alex R.