This year, Prep softball has definitely had an interesting run. After some pre-season doubts on whether or not enough girls would go out to field a whole team, many rookies decided to play ball. Even with inexperience in their midst, the softball team has overcome many obstacles while simultaneously growing closer as a team. In the beginning of the season, Prep softball faced many tough opponents such as Seattle Christian, Holy Names, and Ballard. Junior Captain Karina Diekema ’16 didn’t let the losses phase her or her teammates. “I think losing makes winning that much better. Our challenges only made us thirsty for a sweet victory.”

Through hard work and dedication in practices, the girls quickly cranked out some W’s. Blanchet, Chief Sealth, and Nathan Hale couldn’t quite catch up to the Lady Panthers. The biggest achievement of the season, however, was beating Holy Names for the first time ever with a nail-biting score of 10-9. Newcomer Emma Kelly ’16 recollects the game with fondness: “The Holy Names game was one of the best days of my softball career so far. The feeling I had when we won was simply indescribable.”

The softball team continued to leave their blood, sweat, and tears on the field as they progressed through the metro and district tournaments. After finishing Fifth in metros, the girls tightened their cleats and headed to districts. “I’m so proud of us for making it this far!” remarked utility player Sarah Buchanan ’16.

“The road may have been long, but it’s great to know that our hard work is paying off. I think our desire to go to districts was what motivated us throughout the season.”

As the season comes to a close, the team continuously brings an element of joy to both on and off the field. Through all of the ups and down, softball has truly demonstrated what it means to be a Panther by displaying loyalty to their sport. Diekema ’16 says it best: “Softball over everything!”