Sophomores' Softball

Intramurals '06 was like a wheel of fortune. Everything went unexpected. We lost to the Freshmen in the cheerdance competition. I knew it then. We lacked actions, stunts, positions and the spirit. But it was our lack of unity and determination that really made us down. Aghast and full of thirst for revenge fill the hearts of the Sophomores. We let the expectations, the supports, and sacrifices futile. We made our teachers so shocked and down.

However, we were able to claim our glory when it came to sports. This time, we saw to it that we should win. I mean, we can't afford to shed tears again. We can't take the pressure. We won't be embarrassed again. So then, we had already accepted the fact that we lost once. Our aim now is to be at least 3rd in the over-all. We knew it would be difficult, especially our lost was such a big discouragement.

But this was only the beginning. Sophomores were always up for action. I knew we would still be champions in volleyball, but I don't know with the other sports. Everyone should contribute. The athletes should be determined to win. The water people should always be there too. Bear with me as I can only share to you our contribution. This is it, the Sophomores' Softball! Let's go straight to the piont rather than have things mixed up.

First day was a softball match between the Seniors and the Sophies. We knew we're hopeless, because they were champions last year; and they're still damn good and professional. We didn't practice that hard. Our force was not strong enough to overcome them, but I had been noticing and impressed with our strong-rocking defense! I mean, when we were still in 1st year, we were so puff-there-goes-the ball!!! How could we be so strong when we never practiced so much???

Even though we realized that we're still going to lose, we were somehow thrilled and happy when we nailed them 0 in the 1st inning. The Seniors were also shocked and nervous when they knew we were starting to play very well. I was a left fielder, and my other teammate was the 1st baser. The flip side is-we never had such good teamwork before! I mean, when the ball always goes to our direction, we always catch it and tag the batter. The funniest though, was with me. Even though the ball was hers to catch, I did. Even though I should pass the ball to her to make it fast, I tag the opponent. I think that's a bit surer than passing it to her when there are chances she might not catch the ball.

It was a close tie for both teams. It was so hot, and all of us were burning and were almost ready to eat. Even though we lost, we got the biggest compliments from the umpires and from the Seniors themselves. The umpires encouraged us and revealed that we had more chances of winning than the Juniors. The Seniors on the other hand, urged us to practice hard and dominate over the Juniors. Such lost was so meaningful. We were so blessed this day came to happen. We knew we've got supporters. After the exhausting but good game, we took a rest.

Next game was Juniors versus the Freshmen. We decided not to take any side, despite the fact that the Freshies, Seniors and us, Sophies, practiced together. We trained the Freshies. We could see them looking so scared and nervous. I pictured us before. That was us before. So nervous and such sore losers. Now, we're stronger than ever. I realized then that as we grow older, we become stronger, smarter and faster. The Juniors won. So, its going to be us versus the Juniors in the semi-finals.

We were not tactless and we took extra care. We knew the competition was very tough. Victory is at stake. Both sides showed no mercy. I think its normal though, but after the match, we would still be friends and pretended nothing happened. The big event will happen tomorrow. We're excited and nervous. We've got shivers done our spine and our bodies are turning blue. The feeling was so frightening, its drove us insane. We couldn't calm down and relax, we thought we were insomniacs that very day.

Tomorrow came and the big event gave us goosebumps. We were determined to win. We brought caps and water. Sink or Swim, we don't care as long as we played fair. We prayed a lot. We prayed that hopefully, this game would be ours for the taking. We prayed that nobody will get injured, and that everybody needs focus and strong determination. We shouted "SOPHIES"!!! We were off for the game.

I was hoping that our 1st baser and I will show our teamwork today. We played offense first. Free walks. Another free walk. Finally, a loud thud of strike. Then finally, it was my turn. I, had never been an expert of batting. Luckily, it was a free walk. We had three outs then, and its time or us to play defense. This is all I'm waiting for, I thought. Everything was so fine when almost every ball went towards the 1st base. As usual, my partner and I, showed the best softball teamwork our batch has ever got.

It was a last chance for the Juniors, but I wasn't listening though. I was focus on the ball and the tags. A batter run and I tagged her. The second one was tagged by me too. I was waiting for more, but I was confused when my teammates began screaming, rejoicing and jumping and hugging each other. We won! We won! We won! I was like so numb to even know! I can't believe it! Thoughts came into my mind. If I hadn't tagged two batters, we might lose.

The feeling was like nirvana! We won because of me?? No! We won because of us! We share our victories and losses. I was so speechless and thankful that time. Rejoicing and still cannot believe what had happened, we rushed and revealed our victory! We finally contributed and showed some guts! Championship came, and we were exhausted. The Seniors were so happy for us, even the umpires. We knew that winning was far to possible, but we'll try our luck.

Bad luck came to me when I suddenly had crumbs. It was so painful and it was killing me! My teammates were so worried. Who'll be my substitute? Well then, they found one. Meanwhile, I was grieving in pain. My classmates tried to massage me so as the other Seniors. But the more it was touched, the more it went worse. It was end of the game and obviously, the Seniors won.

We were in great debt to them for teaching us the right techniques especially Ate Jera. We refer to them as our sisters and teachers. We'd rather lose to them. The events alone left us a track of friendship, hope, determination, and courage. We learned a lot. I learned a lot. We finished 3rd in the over-all ranking. It was bit of a relief. No matter the case, Intramurals is never just about winning or losing. Its about the lessons we've learned and the times we've shared. Those are more memorable than just winning. Winnings and thrones can always be relinquished to someone else, but your experiences can never leave you.

We finished 2nd in Softball. That was the best Intrams ever. I hope the next will be more meaningful and happier. Well, we're looking forward to be Champions in Softball for the next two years. I'm looking forward for more tough challenges. I can't wait to win or lose again!