Bloomington BASH 2016

The girls got to play in another softball tournament this weekend. Sidney's was a one-day (one VERY LONG day!), while Regan's extended the full 3 days. Combined, they played 7 games and we are incredibly proud at how well they both played. 

(And Lincoln is just a cutie!)

Friday night, Regan's team couldn't pull out a win as we faced a tough pitcher and a team that seemed twice our size. It was a 7:30pm start and Lincoln was less than thrilled to end his night at the ball fields. Lucky for him, we had just had a major storm come through that left puddles everywhere. Somehow I managed to keep him out of the wet, but he got to watch as a tractor tried to clean up the field next door. It mesmerized him enough to keep him somewhat happy for 30 minutes. (he may be the unofficial team mascot too, loving up all of those girls). 

Saturday morning, bright and early (6:15am early!) was my volunteer shift. While I worked to help set up the complex, hanging banners, moving tables, setting up tents, Ryan got the kids to the field and we were ready to start our morning games at 9:30, sadly both girls played at the same time :( Good thing they played on fields directly next to each other!, what kind of luck was that in a complex with 11 fields!? Ryan had to run the pitching machine for Sidney's game so Lincoln and I planted ourselves at the top of the bleachers at Regan's field where we could watch 2 games happen at the same time. 

Both kiddos won those games and that was the end for Regan until Sunday. Sidney's team played 2 more games before their day was done. There was a lot of down time between games, so the kids had fun trying to find shade and stay cool. When it's 90 and humid and you're outside for 10+ hours, you'll do anything to find relief! Thankfully we had purchased the new cooling towels and they were a huge lifesaver. Add in the ridiculous amount of money we paid for at least 10 snow-cones and we found ourselves fully hydrated. 

Sidney earned Player of the Game on Saturday when she had several hits and then stuck with a play at 3rd base tagging the girl who stepped off the base. Such an incredible play for 8U! She was pretty proud of herself and we can't tell you how proud we were of her. Those little girls played their hearts out and found themselves in the championship game for their 2nd time in 2 tournaments. This is a fun team to watch I tell you! 

Unfortunately, they were up against the number 1 team in the entire league. And they were good. Our girls put up a good battle, but we were losing girls one at a time to the heat and the long day. We lost by only a few runs and took home 2nd place out of 12 teams. Some of the girls were a little disheartened to not get first place, but their sadness didn't last long. These kiddos played so well and all of us parents were beyond proud! 

Regan's team was up on Sunday, heading into bracket play. We were disappointed to learn that we would be playing another Bloomington team, because we play them enough in league play, that we had hoped to face another team. Early Sunday morning, as Regan brushed her teeth, I stopped her for a quick heart-to-heart. She was nervous to face this particular team, because they have a good pitcher. A really tall, fast, accurate pitcher...and Regan was intimidated before she even got to the field. She got a quick lesson, right there in our bathroom, about facing this pitcher. What I realized, is that her issue was in her head, not in her skill. Later, when it was her turn to bat, I hollered a quick "You can do this Regan!", and SHE DID!!! It was one of her longest at bats in her career, fouling off ball after ball, but eventually she hit the ball in fair territory. Although it was caught, I could tell she was proud of herself. And more importantly, she relaxed, knowing that she could do it! To my surprise, they pulled off a win to advance in the tournament. 

The next team they faced proved to be their last game. Although they played hard, the girls struggled at the plate. Regan, however, watched her first pitch, swung incredibly late, and again, heard me holler "You can do this Regan!". I could literally see the wheels turning in her head, as she took a deep breath, stepped back in the batters box and prepared for the next pitch. She hit that ball hard, really hard and earned herself the only hit of the game for her team! After the loss, the team huddled up and coach handed Regan the 'game ball' explaining to the team that they can't win if they don't hit the ball. Regan carried that ball around all afternoon....she (and we!) are very proud! 

It was a great weekend of ball, though hot and humid and long days. We are so proud of our little ball players and the skill they are developing and the fun they are having! Way to go girls!