Softball team comes up short in 4 innings, loses 7-8
by Jacob Lerner
Brushing off rusty softball and social skills, the IOF softball team took to the field Wednesday evening to inaugurate a new season after an two year hiatus. The young IOF team faced a hardened Microballology club rumoured to have spent the extended off-season training with the notorious Hell’s Angels in the Outfield. Despite being undermanned (the team enlisted the help of several Physics and Geography players to round out the lineup) the IOF fought back from an early 0-5 hole with a four-run bottom of the 1st inning, before tying the game 7-7 heading into the fourth. Strong fielding in the fourth inning by Kristen Sora and Ana Pozas were not enough to overcome some tight plays at first base that forced in 2 Microballology runs. The IOF went down 1-2-3 in the bottom half of the fourth before the game was called early due to time constraints.
Despite the loss, it was a strong opening effort for the IOF club. The team was led by skipper Kristen Sora, whose steady presence in the lead off spot set the tone for the offence. An early single by Sora launched a four run first inning. Shrugging off the loss, Sora was optimistic about the upcoming season “This is just the start” Sora stated, “I didn’t hand-pick these players by chance, I’ve got a sixth sense for softball talent and this team is oozing with it”.
Batting behind Sora, and force behind the plate as catcher all afternoon was Juan Jose Alava. Alava went 2-3 with two singles and nearly saved a run in the 2nd inning with a stretch play at home plate. The batter was called safe in one of many close calls that went against the IOF. “I don’t question the integrity of the umpire” Alava said in a post-game interview, “I question their eyesight”.
Hitting third and remaining resolute in the outfield all game was Polina “the Natural” Orlav. Her confident demeanour at the plate belied the fact that this was, by her own admission, her first ever softball game. Orlav went 2-3 and was a big part of the first inning rally that kept the IOF in the game. Asked to comment after the game Orlav had this to say: “I knew I’d love softball, I’d much rather be counting runs than counting salps”.
Scorekeeper and utility player Jacob Lerner went 1-3 on the day with some consistent fielding. Regardless of the effort, he seemed confused by his new teammates. “I actually don’t know who these people are” the humble, power-hitting author stated “I was out here earlier pretending to catch fly balls and the game just sprung up around me”.
Late arrivals Karly McMullen and Ana “Don’t call me Anna” Pozas provided a mid-game boost to the IOF team. Thrust immediately into a 2 base-runners on situation, McMullen slapped a hard single to load the bases. With the bases loaded and 2 out and in her first at bat of the season, Pozas hit an RBI single that kept the IOF hopes alive in the 3rd. McMullen pondered the loss, stating “we didn’t lose, we just ran out of time” while Pozas looked ahead, saying “No comment, on to the 796s”.
The IOF squad was cheered on by a raucous one-person crowd consisting of Dr. William Cheung. “No doubt softball talent is a major consideration when we try to bring new students into the department” the new IOF director said, “graduate softball championships first, publications second”.
Looking ahead, the team can expect a longer lineup as Alastair Roberts is expected to return from the IR to play next week against the 796s. Next week may also herald the return of UW softball all-star Anna McLaskey.
How will the team respond after this week’s tough loss? How will they incorporate two different players named An(n)a? Are they really going to call themselves the ‘Krillers’? Come by next week or even join in the fun to find out. All are welcome.
Next game:
Wednesday, July 28th, 7PM
IOF (0-1) vs 796s (0-1)
Tags: IOF Student Society, IOF students