This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Sports

SoCo Softball Wins Fifth Straight District Title

Rebecca Martin and Caitlin Maglich are the heroes

After losing seven seniors from last year’s team, most observers thought 2011 would be a rebuilding year for South County softball. Still, six freshmen performed well enough to put the Stallions atop the Patriot District standings in the regular season. Playoff baseball is different however, and succeeding in that type of pressure-cooker is an altogether different mission. This year’s South County squad can consider that mission accomplished.

After three hours and five extra-innings of play, first-year head coach Gary Dillow’s South County Stallions captured the school’s fifth straight Patriot District title, defeating West Potomac 2-0 in a 12 inning thriller of a victory.

“It’s just so great because pretty much everybody doubted us. They didn’t believe that we would be good this year, " said Dillow. "To be able to continue the tradition and keep it going, it’s unbelievable."

Find out what's happening in Lortonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

While most crowds thin out during extra-innings, Monday’s crowd grew. By the tenth inning, fans who had just finished watching the South County baseball team win their own Patriot District title, made their way to the softball field.

 Though arriving late, they were just in time. The game was still scoreless.

Find out what's happening in Lortonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Stallions started the 12th inning at the top of their batting order. On a roster laden with freshman, it was only fitting for senior Julia Kastner to lead South County’s rally. Freshman Whitney Burks’s patience at the plate paid off as she joined Kastner on the bases after taking a walk. Kastner and Burks then used their speed for a double steal, which sent them to second and third base.

Following two consecutive outs, another scoreless South County inning seemed inevitable. Then freshman Caitlin Maglich stepped up to the plate.

“I was extremely nervous. I haven’t been hitting very well lately and I haven’t pulled the ball the way I’ve wanted to,” said Maglich.

Maglich delivered the hit South County had been desperately seeking all game. Her perfectly placed hit drove in Kastner and Burks, put Maglich on first and sent the Stallion faithful into a frenzy.

“It was the best feeling hitting the ball. I was about to cry. When the ball came off the bat, it was just unreal. It was the best feeling in the world,” Maglich said.

Following a Stallion out after Maglich’s hit, South County led 2-0 as the top of the 12th inning came to an end.

It was then freshman hurler Rebecca Martin’s time to finish West Potomac off. And that she did. Martin turned in arguably her season’s best performance, posting a gaudy 17 strikeouts in 12 scoreless innings.

 “It feels great, especially since we’re a young team. I really feel like we pulled together and made some really good plays in tough situations. I’m really proud of everyone. The win reflects on how hard we worked the entire season, particularly in the tournament. We all showed a lot of heart,” said Martin.

As Martin’s 17th and final strikeout victim fell, South County players erupted in screams. Members of the Stallion baseball team jumped the outfield fence as they ran over to congratulate their counterparts. After 12 long and exhaustive innings, they had done it.

In his first year as head coach Dillow has won the Patriot District. In doing so, he, like his freshmen, surpassed all expectations.

 “The kids worked so hard and I’m just happy to be here to guide them in the right direction,” said a jubilant Dillow.

 

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?