Play started Monday afternoon and Vipers best the Connecticut Titans. Monday night was opening ceremonies, pin exchange, DJ and some friendly competitions including fastest runner, HR hitting contest and farthest throw. Congratulations to Olivia Jarvis for taking 2nd place.
Tuesday saw the girls lose to the Lady Bombers on a rough first inning. No worries and we regrouped and shut out the Massachusetts Titans. Wednesday saw the Vipers defeat Philadelphia Spirit 7 to 0 to finish as 2nd seed going into double elimination round.
The girls enjoyed time on the beach, swimming in the pool and riding the Banana Boat. Parents got a great view of the ocean and enjoyed the many amenities that Myrtle Beach has to offer.
On Thursday during the first game of eliminations, we suffered a tough lose in 95 degree heat to the Georgia Cage a classy organization who played ACDC and Florida Georgia Line in between batters. We came out sluggish and the girls were challenged to come ready to play on Friday.
When we began warmups I asked some of the girls how did they feel and their response was prophetic “we are ready, we got this”
After falling behind 4 to 0 in game 1 of elimination, the switch was flipped. Huge hits by Astrid Corcoran, a sac fly by Calire Cook, blunts by Kate Heaney and Emily Kuzian, a monster shot off the 20 ft high fence in LF by Tina Chugranis and lock down pitching thr final 5 innings by Emma Mercadante propelled us to G2.
G2 Saw Sage Rizzi return to her pre injured form and dominate the Lady Knights from Virginia. A huge double in ITB by Tina Chugranis was the clincher as the Viper faithful went crazy with the walk off.
G3 Ali Ramos got the call to face the Lady Bombers in a rematch. After falling behind 3 – 0 right away, the Viper bats came alive and tied the game. Nail in the coffin was a 250ft 3 run HR by the pride of Lodi NJ Victoria Corrente putting us up 6 to 3. Sarah Pitcher added a late RBI hit to seal a hard fought 7 to 4 win.
G4 ( all the same day) Emma Mercadante came out and pitched a quick 1st inning but ran into trouble in 2nd inning against the rematch with Georgia Cage. At the end of 3 Vipers were down 7 to and despite the score a great awakening took place in the dugout. Hits by Lauren Cantor, Bella Chugranis, Olivia Jarvis who played sensational in CF and lights out pitching by Claire Cook kept us in the game with time running out. With several visits to the mound by Georgia we had tying run on 2nd but the clock struck midnight and we simply ran out of time losing 7 to 6. The girls we happy with their performance, the coaches completely satisfied and despite Coach Corcoran almost passing out from heat exhaustion the team never gave up. Both tournament director and the players coaches and parents from the Cage couldn’t stop going on about the grit, resolve and positive attitude by the girls. The dugout was raucous, the parents were supportive, our game changer followers couldn’t keep up the constant changes. Bt the way, this was the semi finals of the bracket.
With an overall record of 7 and 3, we earned respect from everyone at a tournament that was attended by teams from Midwest, Mid Atlantic, Northeast and SC, NC, GA and FL.
This trip was the perfect mix of sun and fun, beach and softball, good friends and new friends. Can not wait to go back!
Vipers Nation is Alive and Well!
Coach Jerry
