Cortland Softball traveled to beautiful Sunshine State, over spring break to compete in THE Spring Games (TSG). The team was able to show that they meant business, and overall proved to themselves they can compete too, going 9-1 playing highly ranked teams.
The Red Dragons left nothing on the field but their pride and joy of playing softball. The team felt like they had nothing to prove to the teams.
“We played for ourselves and those around us,” said Senior Captain, Tori Reich.
Takeaways From THE Spring Games
TSG gives softball teams from the North the unique opportunity to play in Florida during the bitter cold months of February and March. The Red Dragons, especially Junior Capitan Lainie Ornstein had been preparing all year for this week and they came out victorious in more ways than one.
“We really came out on fire,” said Ornstein. “It had been something we have been preparing for all year and we were all so excited,” said Ornstein.
The games were physically and mentally demanding. The second game on the second day was one of those games, it was also a team favorite.
“Hood College…” said both Reich and Ornstein.
The Red Dragons were up, but suddenly Hood started their vengeful comeback. The Red Dragons and Blazers had a verbal and mental battle during the 5th and 6th innings.
“They were so mean, when I ran past the base a girl pushed me,” said Reich.
The 7th inning started, and the Red Dragons came back and won the game, scoring 6 runs, including one home run. This game made the team stronger and closer.
“Communication, honestly,” said Reich. “How hard we worked and being able to have the natural team chemistry helps a lot on field,” said Reich.
“We batted around, and it was so exhilarating and insane, I don’t know it was nuts,” said Reich. “It was the best game we played out there, for sure,” said Reich.
Ornstein knew once they were down what the outcome was going to be for the Red Dragons. She kept her positive energy up and eye on the prize.
“…there was not a doubt in my mind we wouldn’t come back and beat them”, said Ornstein. “My team and I had really strong sense of confidence that really came out during that game.”
TEAM BONDING AND FOCUS
The team’s bond before Florida was already strong as a mule, but only got strong and continues to grow as the season progresses.
The team takes a trip to Raquette Lake each year in the fall as well. They focus on different team bonding exercises and leadership activities.
The team shifted their focus point slightly with the on-field demographics and dynamics. Instead of all upperclassmen, it now has a mix of upper and underclassmen. This has created a stronger bond and family aspect.
“Nobody cares if you are a underclassmen or upperclassman, said Reich. “My past four years have all had different vibes,” said Reich.
There are no favorites. Nothing getting handed to you. If you work hard for what you earn and show you deserve to play you will given the same chances as everyone else.
“Everybody is treated the same,” said Reich, “I believe that 150% plays a huge role,” said Reich.
“We have underclassmen on the field,” said Reich. “They need to feel that support from you,” said Reich.
In Florida the team learned what they can really do. What type of competition they are able to compete against and what challenges they can take on. The Red Dragons are digesting it all and applying it to all their practices and games.
“We can play and beat really good team,” said Ornstein.
The trust the Red Dragons have built around one another is something very unique. It can be spoken and unspoken.
“We trust one another, and we cheer for each other,” said Ornstein. “We are each other’s biggest fans,” said Ornstein.
Moving forward the team is going to keep the same energy and positive attitude. The team isn’t going to let the bad days get them down and tough games stop them. They are going to keep fighting until the end.
“From here on out we are just going to keep working hard…” said Ornstein. “We are going to keep the same bond and energy…our team can go further than we ever have,” said Ornstein.