The softball team approached the playoffs with momentum after finishing the regular season with a record of 8-8, good enough to give them the one-seed in a region of teams including Watkins Mill, Kennedy, Magruder and Rockville. Being the one seed put them through the first round of playoffs with a bye.
The team saw Magruder as their competition for the regional semifinals, a team they beat by an astounding 11 runs in a 15-4 domination earlier in the regular season. This gave them high hopes leading to a nerve-wracking playoff atmosphere. On May 13 the team defeated Magruder via mercy rule, in a statement 16-2 commanding win to advance to the regional finals.
The girls destroyed the ball, tallying 14 hits, including five players with two or more. Freshman Megan Smith led the way with five RBIs on two doubles and a walk. Smith, along with sophomore Emily Liu, combined for five innings pitched while giving up only two total hits. This performance signals a possible deep run in the playoffs. “It was a good game and we are excited to go to the regional finals,” junior captain Mckenna Kupersmith said.
The team was originally set to face Kennedy for round three of the postseason on May 15, however, due to rain delays and cancellations, the game was moved to May 16. This regional finals game was a rematch of another regular season game. Earlier this season, the Patriots defeated Kennedy 24-12 in a thrilling offensive performance, where the team scored 10 runs in just the first inning.
The Patriots accomplished the furthest run with the current coaching staff by making it to this regional championship. “This is the furthest we have made it in recent history with the current coaches,” Kupersmith said.
However, anything could happen in the single-elimination tournament. This aspect of one-and-done creates a much more stressful environment for the players and fans, but especially for the seniors, knowing that any one of these games could be the last is one extra thing to burden themselves throughout the game. “Wootton Softball has been a great experience for me and I don’t want it to be over yet,” senior captain Malia Schmelzer said.
The players try to pick each other up in every given moment to overcome the nerves that transpire from knowing the season could end with one loss. This continuous support from teammates, coaches, and fans is key to success in big games such as playoffs. “I think we will be able to best succeed with high intensity and being there for each other. With lots of cheering, it’s a lot of fun and a very supportive team,” Schmelzer said.
The Patriots defeated Kennedy in a thrilling 7-4 game. Schmelzer came through in the clutch with an RBI, game-tying single in the fourth. Thi switched the momentum of the game and Wootton went on to add three more runs without surrendering any. They brought this to the state quarterfinals against powerhouse Sherwood. While their season may have ended there, they defined themselves as one of the better softball seasons in recent school history.
