The girl’s varsity softball team has gone 1-3 in their last four games. On Tuesday, April 23, the Mustangs fell to the Brentsville Tigers, losing 12-6. 

The unfortunate loss was due to several shaky calls and errors. At the top of the fifth inning, the score was 8-6 with the bases loaded and two outs. A questionable call kept the Mustangs from scoring. However, the ladies kept their heads up and continued the game. Further errors prevented them from staying afloat. 

In a much-anticipated play, second base Christine Hillegas made two enormous outs in a row, all on her own. She caught a line drive and quickly stepped onto second base. A double play resulted. Awesome base running by catcher Jasmine Gagnon kept coach Kuder happy. 

On Monday, April 22, the Mustangs suffered another devastating loss to the Strasburg Rams. 

The game was a constant struggle for the ladies, and they lacked decent hitting. They walked to the plate with confidence, yet it seemed it was their first time at the plate. A lack of base running was also a problem for the Mustangs. Although they worked hard in the field, continued errors prevented them from stopping the Rams. With two outs, and the bases loaded, right fielder Sarah Young stepped up to the plate and hit the ball between center and right field, bringing in one run and finally allowing the Mustangs to score.

The previous Wednesday, April 17^th, the ‘Stangs fell 18-1 in a face-off with the Double A Spotsylvania Eagles. The Mustangs held the Eagles until the fourth inning. At this point coach Carlyn Kuder decided to throw in an analogy for post-game talk. These types of games, she told the ladies, were like stoplights. When you are on, and everything is going your way, the light is green. Once the are a few errors, the light turns yellow, warning you of what is to come. In the Mustang’s situation, after the fourth inning, the light became yellow and eventually, red.

Lack of focus was the Mustang’s main problem. The fact that they were playing a double A school didn’t phase them until the game started. 

On Tuesday, April 16^th, the Mustangs triumphed over the Fredericksburg Christian School’s Knights, winning 16-0. In previous years, the Mustangs fought great battles against the Knights. With total focus, they always managed to pull ahead just in time.

Despite the hot and humid weather, the Lady Mustangs stayed strong both physically and mentally. Pitcher Kristen Janski gave it her all, playing through chronic ankle pain. Besides great hitting, the Mustangs also had stupendous base running and great defense. Many of the players, including left fielder Karyn Graham and Aysha Twose, got to show the fans what they were all about by hitting in senior Adrienne Thompson, freshman Casey Smirniotopoulos and junior Marie Stoner.

The Mustangs continued to have tenacious defense. The highlight of the game was a double play by Christine Hillegas, Jessica Szymanski and Marlise Tumolo.