It takes a while to see progress. Game after game, mistakes are made but there is always an improvement. Ending their season with one win the girls of JV softball still couldn’t be prouder of themselves. 

During their game against Cedar Springs, the girls were looking to finish off their season strong. They were down by 12 in the first inning, but FHC scored three runs during the first inning, six in the second, and four in the third. At the end of the fifth inning, the girls pushed ahead and had taken the lead on the Red Hawks.  Sophomore Meredith Hood had four RBIs and freshman Gabby Thompson hit 5-for-6 with four singles and one double. The girls fell short in the ninth with a final score of 24-10. 

Freshman Gabby Thompson was proud of her team and all it did to get close to the win.

“My favorite part has to be the people,” Gabby said. “My teammates are always cheering and positive and rooting for me. I love being on the team because of the positive environment it puts me in.” 

In the last game of the 2022 season, the girls won their first game of the season, with a final score of 21-3, when they pulled the mercy card on the West Ottawa Panthers.  Junior Sydney Ashcroft had three RBIs and continued to impress with an amazing catch in left field.  

Coach Udell is beyond proud of the girls and all they do and have done this season; the growth the girls have displayed throughout the season is significant.

“Winning the last game of the season was a great way to end the season. It helped the girls see that all their hard work paid off in a win,” Coach Udell said. “I think all girls felt good about the effort in the last game. It gives them confidence for future years to come.”

The girls had a rough start to their season, but even with the difficulties and amount of effort they had to put forth to grow, they still developed great friendships and bonds that helped add to the strong team that they needed to develop the skills they have now. 

“The team has grown as softball players and people,” Coach Udell said. “Their softball skills have greatly improved and the encouragement they gave each other was fantastic.”