NATCHEZ — The umpires don’t really mind Cathedral School’s softball team getting a big strikeout in a key spot.

After all, their job isn’t to pull for either team, just to call a game. But what happens following a big Lady Green Wave strikeout might get on their nerves.

All the infielders converge to the pitcher’s mound, and the pitcher either slaps their gloves or does a secret handshake, depending on which infielder it is.

“The umpires get mad as us because it takes too long,” Cathedral pitcher Mollie Devening said.

But the Lady Green Wave have yet to be penalized for it, so the team utilizes the handshakes and glove bops as a means of making the game lighthearted.

“It helps the pitcher relax, knowing your teammates have your back,” Devening said.

Pitcher Ginny Daggett said it also helps her maintain her focus, especially when several opposing batters have reached base.

“You’re all serious (in that situation), and when you see them laughing and smiling, it helps you smile and relax,” Daggett said.

Daggett said the whole thing got started during summer league softball with coach Rut Horne’s teams, and carried over to Cathedral. Devening said there are three instances the infielders converge.

“Before an inning, after a throwdown and after a strikeout,” Devening said.

But catcher Kimble Devening said she only participates before an inning.

“It takes too much time for me with all my equipment,” Kimble said. “I can’t run out there and get back in time for us to pitch again.”

With Kimble not coming out every time, third baseman Payton Monticello said it’s usually her the other girls are waiting on.

“I’m slower to get out there, and everyone’s always saying, ‘Come on, Payton,’ and, ‘You’re so slow,’ or something like that,” Monticello said.

“Ginny always makes fun of me, but I know I’m just trying to save the energy for a big out at third base.”

Not really, she admits.

“Actually, I’m just in my own little world. I’m not paying too much attention,” Monticello said.

Daggett said she will jokingly get onto Monticello if she’s slow to meet with everyone on the mound.

“Payton forgets, so when we all run up there, she finally realizes and says, ‘Oh,” Daggett said. “Sometimes I give her a hard time. It just depends on how long she takes to get out there.”

But second baseman Beth Fortenbery said it’s ultimately meant to make the game fun. She agreed with Daggett that doing it makes the team’s mood much better.

“You always play better when you’re not worried about (the situation),” Fortenbery said. “You just have more fun.”