The Severna Park Hornets Elite 18 U traveled to Wilmington Delaware this past weekend to play 5 Showcase Softball Games. The Fields were absolutely perfect and our Hosts the Orange crush went out of their way to make it a top notch event.
Reporting the wins and losses will be deceiving as to the play that actually happened. The Hornets lost all five games. However, they lost 4 games by 1 run and the 5th game by 2 runs. All 5 games were against top talent within the region and they were either team's game to win. The Hornets held tight and fought hard, but just fell short.
Over all defence was top shelf and vastly improved since the prior tournament as played by the Hornets. Not only were their many great plays, but recovery and follow through on errors was excellent. The Hornets are growing in their maturity and quickly learning how to play the game at the highest level. Over all, there was a great seance of being more aggressive with checking runners and not being afraid to throw and go after harder outs. This combined with solid pitching performances by Morgan Burke and Olivia Cambpell kept every team from scoring. The Hornets fought out of many innings leaving many teams runners stranded.
GAME ONE. Hornets vs Delaware Cobras. Our Newest Addition, Abbey Mayse took the mound in the first inning. The Cobras struck in the first inning and quickly put 3 runs on the board. Morgan Burke came in the relieve Abby to give up only one more run. Olivia Martin had an incredible shot with a ball that just missed going over the fence for a Triple. Becca Bowrowski stepped up with a Gapper Double. Jenny Lynch Knocked in the only two runs with a double to Left. Final Score 4-2 loss
GAME TWO. Hornets vs CJ Cyclones. Olivia Campbell pitched incredibly keeping every pitch low and dropping balls off the table. It was easy to see the frustration on the faces of the cyclones. The cyclones answered with their own pitching performance. While not the fastest, their pitcher threw balls that moved all over the plate and dropped. The umpire had a very generous strike zone which favored both pitchers, forcing offense to be looking to swing. Milred Devereux had a great triple, but the hornets could not get her in. Milred also had a single later in the game. All the while, playing with a hurt hand. A true team player and great athlete. Final Score 1-0 Loss
GAME THREE Hornets vs DELCO FORCE. A solid team all around. Both teams seemed a bit tired, and it set the table for yet another pitchers duel. Morgan Burke took the mound and pitched incredibly. She was back by solid defence and we went to the 4th inning before a couple timely hits by the Force allowed them to plate their only run. Hornets offence was off this game and they never really could get anything going. at the buzzer. Hornets Loose 1-0.
GAME FOUR Hornets vs Lady Lions. The Talent level at these tournaments is amazing and the Lions truly are a very tough team that was very aggressive and did anything they could to win. It was a very tough game, well played by both. Morgan Burke took the mound. The Lions Struck first and quickly put one run on the board with a couple hard shots to the outfield. The defencive wall held tough and both teams went on to leave runners stranded. That would be the only run on the game. A huge high five to Becca Borowski and Maddy Collins who put on an excellent middle infield performance. Quinn Ursprung also made a dynamite deep left field over the shoulder catch on the run. Hornets Loose 1-0
GAME FIVE Hornets Vs Pegasus. Team Pegasus was as aggressive as they come. A very tuff team who looked for every opportunity to advance on the base paths. They featured a very fast pitcher who had good movement. Her control was an issue. The Hornets lead off with an incredibly well placed bunt by Kelly Murphey. Two Timely walks loaded the bases for Jenny Lynch who ran the count full before hitting a double, knocking in 2 runs. Olivia Campbell pitched flawlessly again, getting ground ball hits and recording a few strikeouts. Defence had a few mis ques, but were able to recover and keep the other team scoreless. A costly but aggressive suicide bunt attempt back fired resulting in a double play to end the hornets early threat. This was not a bad thing, the hornets showed they are not afraid to make things happen and be aggressive. Sometimes it just doesn't work out, that is ok, the lesson learned was invaluable. Team Pegasus fought back in the 4th inning to score 2 runs and tie it up. Tough defence held base loaded, but again another miscue resulted in a pick off error, allowing Pegasus to plate one more run. The Hornets threatened in the last inning with two lead off singles by Amy Cunningham and Olivia Campbell. The Hornets just could not get that run in to score before the clock ran out. Hornets Loose 3-2.
SUMMARY On the positive side, being more aggressive on the base paths, communicating better and being much more aggressive with throwing pic plays and stopping short game efforts. Errors were made, but solid recovery was the rule of the weekend. Olivia Campbell really stepped up with Solid Pitching performances compliment by Morgan Burke who always is a rock solid pitcher. Thing to work on like improving our offence. Comments were made for all players to work outside of practice hitting on their own. Observations of being aware of your individual presence and how you conduct yourself on the field were made. These are showcase tournaments and you never know who is watching you play. The Hornets took a mighty step forward and will take the field in Hagerstown this upcoming weekend in the Pony Independence Day Firecracker. There was discussion of getting the team together for crabs and celebrating the Four of July as a team and as one big family. The positive atmosphere continues to grow and mature for the 18 U Hornets elite. Reporting that the hornets came home with five losses sounds horrible at first. The truth of the matter is it was not, it was an incredible weekend of solid ball playing against quality teams. The measure of this team is that the goal is to train athletes and prepare them for the college arena. While it is a sport and yes the Hornets try to win, the trophy is not the real prize, the college education is the GOLD. A huge pat on the back to all the coaching staff who realizes the pressure of play is enough and failure at times needs to be used as a tool to learn and grow. Thank you to the parents who take care of the details behind the scenes. All hands are on board to ensure a great environment for the Hornets to evolve in. The Hornets team is proving they are indeed a shining star and example for other teams to follow.
A few weeks from now, a firm prediction can be made, the HORNETS will be winning all these games. All players should be proud of themselves. Onward!
