This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Sports

Bulldogs Softball Snag Two District Wins in Double-Header

Score: 14-2, 9-2

The Westfield softball team almost blew its chance to pick up two district wins in a double-header against Herndon on Friday.

Perhaps it was the excitement of the Senior night ceremony between games, or maybe the Bulldogs had lost focus and interest after the first game blow-out. Whatever the case, Herndon held Westfield to one run, and stranded five runners on base through four innings, until a steal by Kayleen Bell, and then a wild pitch by Sarah Kurtz, followed by an errant throw by catcher Heather Ferguson, sent Bell from first base to home.

With the score tied at two, Kurtz next walked lead-off hitter Jackie Martinez, then gave up a single to Alex Tenny, which placed Jessica McNamara at the plate with runners on first and second. McNamara wasted no time at all and yanked a first pitch homerun over the center-field fence.

Find out what's happening in Chantillywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"Beforehand I knew I was going to swing because she had thrown me a first pitch strike every at-bat so far," said McNamara.

Kurtz gave up two more runs in that fifth inning, and the fire that seemed to have awakened the Hornets lineup was distinguished as fast as it had begun. Herndon coach Roy Amps commented that his team has struggled with starting games strong all year.

Find out what's happening in Chantillywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"It was similar in the T.C. Williams tournament when we played four games in one day," said Amps. "As the day went on, the team felt more comfortable playing. We focus and get better as the game progresses."

The young Hornets team consists of only three seniors and one junior, and the youth was apparent throughout the day as the defense failed to field routine infield plays and Ferguson struggled to keep the balls in front of her.

In game one, the Hornets gave up 14 runs on 15 hits and two errors. In game two, they allowed nine runs on nine hits and three errors.

Westfield star player, Frankie Martinez was in attendance, arm in a sling, and with a smile on her face, suited up as if she was ready to play. Frankie snapped her humerus bone in half, attempting a routine slide-by during the Tuesday game against Robinson and has officially played her last game as a high school student.

"I have a plate and 17 screws [in my arm] and a scar that's 12 inches long," said Frankie.

Doctors do not anticipate the injury will negatively affect Frankie's college career, and according to father Emilio Martinez, the coaches at Radford University, where Frankie has committed to playing, are more concerned that she maintains a strong core and remains in shape.

Replacing Frankie in the number four spot of the lineup was Carrie Otroba, who hit 4-for-4 in game one and 1-for-3 with a walk and an RBI in game two.

"There may be a little tweaking here and there," said Westfield coach Dean Ferington when talking about his lineup for the rest of the season, but Ferington has few choices on who can move up and hit in that spot and was confident the team could defend their Concorde district championship title.

Westfield's next opponent is Stone Bridge.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Chantilly