Varsity Softball Against New Hampton
By: Rishi Gurudevan
A metallic twang echoes through the field as varsity softball’s bats make repeated contact with New Hampton’s pitches. Everything is silent for a moment, then suddenly cheers erupt from the bench as the ball goes flying. From the first inning, New Hampton had no chance as Exeter rapidly got into a steady rhythm. With the first batter hitting a double, the team built up momentum ending strongly with a 15-4 win.
Lower Haley Alden commented on how the game started: “We were able to get things going the first inning of the game,” the pitcher said. “First batter of the game got a double and then scored with a hit from the second batter. Taylor Nelson, our third batter, hit a two-run homerun in the first inning and we were able to keep the momentum going for quite a few runs.”
Senior Taylor Nelson came right back and praised Alden for her pitching performance. “New Hampton was a close game for us. It was pretty back and forth, but Haley Alden, our pitcher, threw a great game and kept us in it.”
Alden humbly said “I kept my pitches over the plate too much and so they were able to make good contact on the ball. Our team did everything they could when New Hampton got hits but we made up for those on offense.”
Designated hitter Janelle Bobb thought that the team’s greatest strength during the game was their teamwork and camaraderie. “We hit very well and kept our energy up. We are always there for our teammates and hype each other up no matter what,” she said.
Nelson added on speaking of the team dynamics: “I'd say our greatest strength is our chemistry on the field. Everyone is talking to each other and cheering all the time and I think that kind of energy is really what's put us over the top this year.”
While the team certainly kept the spirits high throughout the game, lower Caroline Ciaschini credited the victory to consistency: “We were hitting more consistently compared to other games, we were able to make contact and base run well,” she said.
It was very clear that Exeter came in and claimed the win from the beginning. “This year, the lineup has been far more aggressive at bat than usual. This has resulted in a lot more contact with the ball, a lot more hits, and a lot more runs,” prep Maria Fotin said.
This aggressiveness resulted in a one-sided game, with Exeter coming out the winning end. “We were able to get ahead in the early innings and maintain the lead throughout the game,” Ciaschini commented.
This win didn’t come easily though. Fontin spoke on how this game was different from previous years. “Before this year, Varsity Softball had not won a game since 2019. This decisive victory helped turn things around and boosted team morale a lot. It showed us that even after years of not having the best outcomes, the team has started a new chapter this year,” Fontin said. “It’s been amazing to be on a winning streak for the entire team, but especially all of the seniors who are spending their last spring at Exeter playing with us. This was our second double-digit win of the season, and it’s a great feeling.”
Alden showed optimism for Softball’s growth throughout the season. “Our team has a great dynamic and every game we are learning how to work with each other more and more. I can't wait to see how the rest of the season will play out,” she added.
If the team keeps this up, a NEPSAC title is surely not far away. From their team chemistry, to their aggressiveness, and their consistency, the Varsity Softball team is in fantastic shape for the rest of the season.
