The Lady Patriots Extend the Streak

by Joey Puliatti and Matt Bennett

The Lady Patriots after their win.

The Lady Patriots after their win.

Junior pitcher Kaylee Cross winds up to pitch. The ball is hit, and junior shortstop Natalie LaPlaca dives for the catch. When she gets up, Northern has won its eighth straight Class 3-A Maryland State title. Critical seniors from the 2014 team like Jess Cummings, Sam Gatton, and others helped extend the streak to seven. New students had to step up this year to ensure that the great expectations put upon Northern softball would be met this year and the team’s reign in the playoffs would continue.

Coach Robert Radford saw his team achieve their goal on Friday, May 22 at the University of Maryland’s Robert E. Taylor Stadium in College Park. In the end, Northern defeated C.M. Wright High School from Harford County 9–4.

Natalie LaPlaca celebrates after catching the game ending ball.

Natalie LaPlaca celebrates after catching the game ending ball.

For the regular season, the team ended with a 22-2 record, going undefeated in SMAC. Many players stood out to help put together that amazing record. “Kaylee Cross has really stepped up with her hitting and pitching,” said sophomore Ashley Johnson. “Sarah Bennett has done really well all season at hitting as well. It’s really how well our defense has tightened up, and our strategic plays that have resulted in our success this season.”

The team’s focus was naturally on the playoffs, where everything was on the line and the competition was greater. In order to prepare, practices became more rigorous during the playoff run. “Practices have been more intense and very challenging but fun,” said senior Holly Van Wie. As the pressure to succeed increased, the practices went at a faster pace. “Practices are so intense because we are in the playoffs, but the harder the practices usually make the games easier,” said LaPlaca.

Kaylee Cross on the mound.

Kaylee Cross on the mound.

The hard work paid off as the Patriots zipped through the playoffs, claiming a Regional and then State title. “I’ve thrown the ball at the batters’ weak spots which makes it harder for them to hit,” Cross said. “Our defense has done really well. “ Teamwork and team chemistry is vital to success and is often the trait of a winning team. “We play well when we play as a team,” Van Wie said. “We play error free ball, and we hit the ball pretty good as well.”

The team set their sights at extending the astonishing streak and they accomplished their goal. But the individual players still had room for their personal goals as well. “My goals this season were to keep a positive attitude all season, get a .300 batting average, and master the back hand,” said LaPlaca. Some players’ goals weren’t statisticly related. “By the end of the season, I want to be able to understand how to play the game better, and I want to become a better person,” said Johnson. At the beginning of the season, each player put her aims on the Goal Wall. “My goal is to be a leader in the circle by keeping the game at a good pace and keeping everybody on their feet,” said Cross.

Coach Robert Radford hoisting the trophy after the win.

Coach Robert Radford hoisting the trophy after the win.

For the past eight years the softball team has been phenomenal winning eight straight State championships. “The pressure was rough because none of us wanted to be that team to end the streak,” LaPlaca stated. “We all worked very hard.” Next year’s team will face the challenge and pressure of trying to capture the title for the ninth straight year.

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