The varsity softball season has entered playoffs, and is confident in their ability to go far. “I think we’ll definitely make it last the first round before we meet a challenging team the second game,” sophomore Moira Rankin said.

Following the first round, however, Rankin said they expect to face teams that will provide a real challenge.

The Patriots mercied Walter Johnson 10-0 on May 4. A team successfully mercies their opponents in softball when they are ahead by 20 runs in the first three innings, or 10 runs by the fifth. After this stellar demonstration of offense, the team looked to keep the momentum going with their away game against Poolesville on May 6.

The team works hard – practice is five days per week, often going on for up to three hours. The team usually practices at the softball field behind Frost. Practice consists of batting and fielding – skills that closely mimic real games. Sophomore Jasmine Chee feels that there is a “good comradery,” in the team. Chee plays third base and Rankin is a pitcher.

The team consists of two underclassmen, eight upperclassmen, and one additional junior varsity player. Like Chee, Rankin said the team is well-knit. “Our team works really well together especially since there’s only 10 of us (11 with the JV player),” Rankin said.

The patriots played against Gaithesburg High School on thursday May 9. They shut out Gaithersburg with a score of 10-0. Walter John and Rockville, the Patriots expect to do well in the upcoming playoffs.

The patriots are led by coach Taylor Stockington. “Softball is a game of consistency. We always do the same thing at practice. We always start by taking ground balls and fly balls and then we work on situational defenses. After that we hit,” Stockington said.

The offense is especially prized by their coach. “Hitting is where I think we are the strongest. Before hitting live we break down the swings and do drills that will help help make sure their swings have the right mechanics,” Stockington said.

Beyond the pragmatic aspect of coaching the team, Stockington’s favorite thing about coaching is “[teaching] a game that [she’s] enjoyed playing her entire life.”