Trinity wins first and final game of season on senior night

Published 12:05 am Thursday, September 24, 2015

Trinity Episcopal’s Kaitlyn Lees, left, and Anna Rodriguez celebrate after Rodriguez caught a fly ball in the outfield. Trinity won its first game of the season Wednesday, 4-3 against Cathedral. (Sam Gause / The Natchez Democrat)

Trinity Episcopal’s Kaitlyn Lees, left, and Anna Rodriguez celebrate after Rodriguez caught a fly ball in the outfield. Trinity won its first game of the season Wednesday, 4-3 against Cathedral. (Sam Gause / The Natchez Democrat)

VIDALIA — Trinity Episcopal Day School Miranda Smith fought back tears as she welcomed her team with open arms as they ran off the field.

The (1-15) Lady Saints’ season was over, and it concluded with their first win.

“It feels really good for the team, especially the seniors and myself,” Smith said. “In seasons like this, you have to find something positive, and these girls are the positive.”

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Trinity recorded just three hits, but benefitted from multiple walks and a costly error in the 4-3 against cross-town foe Cathedral.

“That game right there made me feel like we won the whole season,” senior Tali Beard said. “That was the most prepared we have ever been, and we all wanted to win. This was the best feeling.”

The Lady Saints found themselves in an uphill battle early in the game.

Cathedral jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the first behind an RBI single from Abby Brown and a sacrifice fly from Elizabeth Smith.

The Lady Wave pushed the lead to 3-0 in the second on an RBI single from Madeline Smith, but the Lady Saints were able to hold the Cathedral offense the rest of the way.

Down, but not out, Trinity mounted its comeback.

Hannah Fitt knocked in Trinity’s first run of the game in the third on an RBI single, which was also the first hit of the game for the Lady Saints.

Then, in the fifth inning, Kaitlyn Lees recorded an RBI single to bring Trinity within two.

Anna Rodriguez stepped to the plate with runners on first and second and laid down a bunt. But the throw soared over the head of the first baseman, allowing the Trinity runners from first and second base to come in and score, giving Trinity a 4-3 lead.

But Cathedral had one last chance in the top of the sixth inning.

“I just told them to play the best defense of your life,” Smith said. “Lay out for balls and don’t let anything get through. We had to toughen up.”

The Lady Saints held their ground and Cathedral left two runners on base to end the game.

“This will be with me forever,” Beard said. “Softball is definitely my favorite sport and winning against an in-town rival is the best feeling ever.”

While Trinity’s season is over, Cathedral will continue in the South State tournament beginning Saturday. The Lady Wave will play at 9 a.m. against Centreville Academy.