On March 15, the softball teams had a joint practice to help set up the field and to scrimmage each other. The varsity team raked and prepared the field itself, while junior varsity set up nets around the batting cage and hung posters.

Due to the recent rain, the field was messy, so raking and dragging was required to fix it.

Something peculiar happened while getting equipment out of the dugout. A groundhog ran out and sent varsity players on a chase so that it didn’t run back into the dugout!

After preparing the field, varsity, led by coach Andrea Poffinberger, and junior varsity, led by coach Jessica Baker, participated in a scrimmage. To make it more fair, varsity players hit off of their pitchers, Jenna McLain and Kelli Durbin. Junior Varsity hit off of Jordan Webb, their pitcher. This allowed each team to hit off of pitching that is closer to the competition they will experience during games.

Class of 2021 member Alex Dembeck said, “Scrimmaging varsity helps us experience a higher level of play and refine our skills in a game situation.”

Scrimmaging each other puts the teams in game situations where they have to make decisions such as where to make the play. One of these situations that occurred during the game was bunting. Varsity player Annabelle Stone laid down a bunt to the first base side. Due to a lack of communication, junior varsity could not make the play at first. It is better for the team to make this error at practice, so that they can fix it before playing a real game.

“The scrimmage was a good opportunity for learning. It allowed us to find holes in our game and gave us a platform to discuss what we need to improve and what we do well.” Dembeck said.

On March 16, varsity scrimmaged Brunswick High School in a double-header. Despite hard fought games, they lost both games.

Varsity’s next scrimmage is against Damascus on March 19. Junior varsity plays Damascus at Damascus on March 19. Come out and support your fellow Lancers!