The women’s varsity softball team faced off against the Madeira School on Monday, April 21, in their fourth Independent School League (ISL) conference game of the season.
The Hoppers went into the game with a 1–2 record and won 28–18 after a hard-fought comeback in the third inning.
After the game, the team recognized its two seniors, first baseman Gracie Schuham-Anders and manager Joelle Walters. A few teammates, head coach Donna Stallworth and assistant coach Peg Schultz expressed their appreciation in short speeches and posters for both seniors.
Madeira started the top of the first inning off strong, scoring a run before the first out, followed by two more to improve their lead to 3–0. GDS recorded another out, but Madeira scored three more runs before GDS finally got the third out. The top of the inning ended with Madeira leading, 6–0.
In the bottom of the first, freshman Ellie Snyder reached first, stole second and then scored on a double from junior Avery Snyder. After one out, Schuham-Anders doubled to bring Avery Snyder home.
In the top of the second inning, Madeira fought hard and one of their runners made it to third base. They quickly scored a run to extend their lead, and got a player on second soon after. GDS recorded one out, but Madeira immediately responded with five more runs, extending their lead to 10. GDS recorded two more outs to end the top of the second inning.
In the top of the third inning, Madeira got two runners to first and second base. With two runners in scoring position, Madeira drove home one run before GDS recorded three outs in a row, ending the inning.
The bottom of the third was a turning point for GDS, packed with offensive production. Hits by sophomore Isabella Yip, junior Tatum Mach and Schuham-Anders brought home three runs before Madeira recorded a single out. GDS kept their momentum, scoring six more runs to tie the game, then added eight more before the final out, taking a 19–13 lead.
In the top of the fourth inning, Madeira was eager to cut down on GDS’ lead, as they quickly got two runners in scoring position. Later in the inning, sophomore pitcher Natalie Ogden got a strikeout. Madeira scored one run, but GDS recorded two outs in a row to prevent further damage.
In the bottom of the fourth, Schuham-Anders reached first, and freshman Abby Orseck’s single advanced her to second. Both stole bases—Schuham-Anders to third and Orseck to second. After a strikeout by Madeira, GDS scored another run, but Madeira closed the inning with two quick outs, ending the fourth with GDS still in the lead, 20–14.
In the top of the fifth inning, the Hoppers’ defense shone, as GDS quickly got two outs. Madeira scored twice before GDS recorded the third out to maintain a four-run lead. In the bottom of the inning, Madeira recorded three outs before GDS could score.
In the top of the sixth inning, Madeira scored two runs, but GDS quickly got three outs to hold a two-run lead.
In the bottom of the sixth, sophomore Joy Edwards and junior Lia Oremland each scored a run before Madeira got their first out of the inning. Consecutive hits by Avery Snyder and Schuham-Anders drove in another run. GDS scored five more runs before Madeira was able to record the final two outs, bringing the final score to 28–18.
In high school softball, games are generally seven innings. However, the game ends if either team has a ten-run lead after five innings or more.
“I think in all of our games, we always come together as a team because we’re all really good friends. That’s something really special,” Ogden said. “Peg [Schultz] was encouraging us, saying we should ‘thread beads,’ which means to come together and support each other, like making a friendship bracelet as a team. I don’t think all teams have that kind of bond. But especially in the third inning and on, we really came together—cheering for each other, having fun, supporting one another.”
“Seeing Gracie [Schuham-Anders] hit a double—that was super cool,” Avery Snyder said. “And just being able to come out on top—especially since we were down by so much—that was huge. She did a great job keeping morale up and keeping us in the game.”
Head coach Donna Stallworth emphasized Avery Snyder’s role on the team. “Avery takes a lot of leadership—being behind the plate, seeing the whole field, and communicating with the team,” Stallworth said. She added that the team “really worked together to pull that off. I mean, it took a lot to be down 6–0 in the first inning.”
The women’s varsity softball team will travel to face Bullis on Tuesday, April 29, at 4:30 p.m.