‘Remote learning’ has been the buzz words of educational institutions in recent years as educators, parents, and students alike wrestle with the complications of achieving their ABC objectives outside the traditional bricks & mortar classroom setting.
At South Williamsport, Mountaineers softball coach Tom O’Malley reasoned the best remote learning possible for his developing program could be found 700 miles south at the Grand Strand Invitational Tournament in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where they could escape the frigid environs of the local landscape and begin their season facing highly competitive teams who migrated south seeking the same experience.
During the last week in March, the Lady Mounties tested their mettle in five games against larger school opponents, compiling a 3-2 record while facing squads from Ohio, Illinois, and Tennessee.
The team played well in all facets of the game posting three victories over Elizabethton, Tennessee (a state regional champion) 11-1; Grove City, Ohio (2021 Ohio State Champions) 3-2; and Westerville Central, Ohio (a two-time state regional champion) 13-5.
Failure to complete some defensive homework assignments cost the Mounties dearly in their two defeats. Despite out-hitting Kaneland, Illinois, six errors led to seven unearned runs in a 10-8 loss, and four more miscues were costly in dropping a 6-1 decision to Carlisle, Ohio (a defending regional champion).
With a roster consisting of five seniors, three juniors, one sophomore, and seven freshmen, all of whom played on South Williamsport’s Little League World Series team two years ago, O’Malley was pleased with the passing grade his charges posted.
“This was an invaluable experience. The competition we faced was very good, with each team we played. They could do everything. I think it was a very good way to prepare us for the season. The weather up north wasn’t the best. It was great to be able to get outside and play meaningful games in some decent weather. I think we are ready for the season.
“I like this team, and I think team chemistry-wise, we came together. We were around each other a lot, and the girls bonded well, we got along well, and overall, it was just a good positive trip for us.”
Consistency was a key throughout the lineup as every starter offensively contributed. Senior catcher Olivia Beck (.462 & 5 RBIs) and freshman first baseman/designated player Sage Lorson (.400 & 6 RBIs) led the way. Senior shortstop Clair Alexander (.333) and freshman pitcher/infielder Alizabeth Schuler (.312) were next in line.
Beck also reached base four times as the result of being hit with pitches, an experience she described as “a little painful at first, but it only hurts until the pain goes away. I’ve got a couple of bruises — battle scars, I guess.”
“This was a great trip for us,” Beck added. “With so many new faces on the varsity team, it gave us a chance to get to know each other better both on and off the field. For the whole week, we spent more time together than apart. It brought everyone closer together. We all made it a point to come as one, and I think that showed when we were on the field.
“I feel the competition we faced this early in the season was very good to help prepare us for the tough teams we will be playing back home. It really did benefit us.”
The Myrtle Beach occurrence provided lessons well beyond the playing field. The team visited Coastal Carolina University, splashed in the Atlantic Ocean, lived together with study time built into the schedule, ate together, and shed some inhibitions at a team talent show.
Freshmen Kendall Cardone and Abby Lorson caught the attention of the talent show judges, each receiving scores of 10; Cardone for her karaoke performance and Lorson for her somewhat off-beat skill of being able to peel a banana with her feet.
“This was great for the team and something that really helped me,” Cardone offered. When I went to the Little League World Series, I didn’t really feel connected with the team and was mostly feeling alone. Now, I really feel that everyone has come together, and we are a team.
“The teams we played were pretty good, but I feel that we could have beaten them all because actually, we’re pretty good. Even good teams will have some off days.”
In addition to Beck, Alexander, Schuler, Cardone, and the two Lorson cousins, team members on the Myrtle Beach trip include seniors Gianna Godfrey, Emily Hartley & Madyson Bower; juniors McKenzie Mitstifer, Aleigha Rieppel & Sophia Dibble; sophomore Lucy Dibble; and freshmen Lily Reidy, Gianna Goodman & Emily Holtzapple.
In sports, it has often been stated that “it’s not how you start that’s important, but how you finish.” Despite its successful Myrtle Beach beginning to the 2022 high school softball season, O’Malley’s Mounties will encounter stiff competition along the way to their hopeful goal come playoff time. With the camaraderie and memories of their Myrtle Beach trip now behind them, they are determined to achieve a successful season.
One thing is for certain Cardone will be leading their cheers. When asked why she is always so upbeat, her explanation was simple; “it seems like the right thing to do is always cheer on someone else.”
Indeed!
