Beyond the arc: Season ends, congratulations in order
There's no doubt that Wednesday's loss to Osage City was disappointing for both the Marion girls softball team and its fans.
The girls were probably as bewildered as I was at the outcome of the game, and the series of events that happened in the ninth inning. Events during the game just seemed strange, perhaps as strange as the umpires overseeing the game - what was their deal?
Neither team really possessed an edge over the other. Both pitchers were strong, although Megan Moore had a larger strikeout margin than her opponent.
Neither team hit the ball very well and neither team played exceptional defense.
So what happened?
Often times in high pressure games, situations occur that, indeed, could be considered unusual. The pressure in Osage City between about 6 to 8 p.m. was thick enough you could have cut it with a knife.
Three errors in the span of about 10 seconds gave the Indians the crack in the proverbial window of opportunity.
But there really isn't any hard-and-fast answer to the unfortunate turn of events in inning nine. Quite simply, things happen. And on Wednesday, things played out in the Indians' favor and not the Warriors'.
Nay-sayers will say that when Bowers was sent home in the sixth inning and thrown out, that that could have cost the girls the game. Or that a stronger mental focus could have changed things. But be sure and note the words "could have." Because it's really easy to coach or criticize players and coaches from behind the linked fence - something that became glaringly evident during and after the game.
Next time an urge like this possesses you, ask yourself what size shoe the person you are criticizing wears, so that you can take some time to walk a while in them before flying off the handle or spitting out some arbitrary comment about coaching or players' decisions.
With that said, it's important to note that this Marion team is perhaps the most successful team in school's recent history and deserves more than just a pat on the back.
These young ladies are very good softball players who are, additionally, fun to watch, and more importantly, they're good kids.
Charlotte Waner has done an incredible job with the softball program and should be commended for her professionalism as a coach.
The seniors on this year's team also deserve the same courtesy.
Moore's contributions as pitcher will be sorely missed next season, as will the talents of cousin-tandem Krista and Heidi Zogelman.
With several girls returning next season and solid regional experience now under their belt, next season should prove to be, yet another exciting season, whether they win or lose.
