SB H v. Willoughby South

Rose's Thorns

     Expectations are high for this year's softball team to repeat the conference winning run of last season.  Their biggest challenge this year are the Rebels of Willoughby South.

    The first time they confronted this challenge was this past Monday when stand-out pitcher Alyssa Rose took the mound for all seven innings.  Madison allowed five runs that game in what would end in a 5-3 loss, only their second of the season.  

     Rose was left frustrated with the performance.  "I could have hit my spots better," she said.  "We committed errors that led to unearned runs."

     On the cusp of losing a legitimate shot at reclaiming their conference title, a lesser team would have folded in on itself.  Luckily, the chance for redemption was only a day away.

     Yesterday, the Lady Streaks were granted an immediate rematch on their home field.  Their pent up frustration was unleashed immediately as Rose put her first at-bat beyond the fence good for three runs against the Rebels.  

     "Thank God we started that way!" Alyssa reflected.  "Everyone started screaming.  We knew they'd be down on themselves after that."

     Quick to follow Rose's lead, Jordan Pasalqua took to the plate right after to send another hit out for a home run, extending Madison's lead to four in the first inning.

     Pasalaqua started on the mound and kept them scoreless through two innings.  In the third, the Rebel's zeroed in on her pitching and nearly drew level with three runs on three hits and four walks.  Gabby Blackford relieved Pasalaqua and got out of the inning with the lead intact.

     Rose was still feeling the pain of pitching a full game the day before, but winners always want the ball when the game's on the line.  When Head Coach Art Rose called on his star pitcher, she didn't dream of refusing.  

     "My arm hurt, but I knew if I just hit my spots, we could get out with the win," Alyssa commented.

    Every road to glory is paved with pain, and Alyssa Rose walked it like the best of them.  She pitched eleven innings in two days and led the Lady Streaks to a 6-4 revenge win over the Rebels.  

     To reclaim their WRC crown, they will need help from other conference teams as the Streaks now have two conference losses.  The Rebels only have one.  Don't miss your chance to witness this impressive team of softball giants when they continue their conference campaign at home tomorrow against the Mayfield Wildcats!