July 20, 2024

2024 Ivy Alumni Softball Game 3 Recap

Team Columbia brought a winning streak to Brookline Ave last Friday to face last year's league runner-up, Yale.  Despite being without a few regulars---including fearless captain Micah, a mismash of rookie, veteran, and returning (welcome back Eddie and Tim!) Lions held a 10-9 lead for some innings before Yale ramped up the offense and took the game, 22-10.  Rookies Alexa, Greg and Ron had solid first starts for the Lions, gelling with the team like they've been practicing all year.  The game also showcased a few defensive gems---a behind-the-back (and what Larry called unnecessary) basket catch by Chris T and a diving put-out by Yulia at 2B (that Greg highlighted as the play-of-the-game).  Completely disagree, @Larry---if we are gonna lose, it's important to lose with style!

 

Meanwhile at Amory Playground, a depleted Team Penn-Columbia played a similarly depleted Princeton team in a nailbiter of a game.  After the Tigers stalled for 30 minutes, the game started with Penn-Columbia building a huge lead.  Perhaps overconfident after two quick putouts, the Quaking Lions then proceeded to give away their lead, with costly errors in the outfield by your humble narrator.  Mary then set the team straight, making spectular plays at second---catching a hard liner and stopping several tough grounders to make accurate throws to Ben (1B).  Dale then trotted in during the 5th inning, solidifying the infield and crushing any of the Tiger's hopes of a late-game rally.  A redemption homer and Ben's 7th-inning homer gave the Quaking Lions enough to secure a win, 12-10.  Also notable was rookie catcher Natasha's contributions---she went 2 for 3 with a sacrifice ground-out and run scored, and was vital with the team having to cede a ghost-out.  

A special thank you goes to Alan, who helped the Penn-Columbia scorekeep and had enough time to hop over to watch Columbia at Brookline Ave.  Happy we captured you in both our photos!