by Natalie Murray ‘18

The varsity softball team has finished its fifth season in a row undefeated, with 99 consecutive wins. After yet another hugely successful season, the Warriors may be on their way to another state championship.

With 15 wins and 196 total runs this season, it is no question that Sherwood softball had an excellent season. Their average margin of victory was 12.3 runs, and the mercy rule (where a team automatically wins if they are up by ten or more runs after the fifth inning) has gone into effect 12 times. They even shut out their opponent in 11 out of 15 games.

As four-time defending state champions, the Warriors face an enormous amount of pressure to perform well. Though their phenomenal record does prove that they are deserving of being ranked No. 1 in the metropolitan area by the Washington Post, it also puts a massive target on their back. “At this point, people are aiming to beat us,” said Coach Ashley Barber-Strunk. The reputation of Sherwood softball increases with each victory, as does the desire of other teams to defeat them.

Particularly concerning to the team are Northwest, Blair, Leonardtown and Chopticon. Northwest proved to be a difficult opponent for the Warriors in the regular season, when Sherwood beat them 10-7. The Jaguars also gave the Warriors a run for their money in last year’s state championships, where Sherwood won 4-0. Though Sherwood beat Blair 15-0 during the regular season, the Blazers are still a concern, mostly because of their star pitcher who was unable to play against the Warriors due to an injury. She has recovered and recently returned to the pitcher’s mound, but her effect on the team is questionable after being out for so long.

Leonardtown and Chopticon, on the other hand, are in a different county and therefore did not play Sherwood this season. However, they currently have 12-7 and 16-4 seasons, respectively, and have performed well in past playoff games.

Despite the abundance of strong opponents, the Warriors are confident that they can do well. “Our plan is to keep working hard and keep on going,” said Barber-Strunk. One of the major strengths of Sherwood softball is the team’s experience—many players have played softball since age five or six. In addition, eight of the thirteen team members are seniors, and three of them—third baseman McKenzie Bina, first baseman Kelly Bouma, and outfielder Marisa Mancini—have all been on varsity since they were freshmen.

“I was really nervous freshman year, so I think we know what to expect now,” said Bina. She and Bouma, a fellow captain, both agree that their time on varsity not only boosts their confidence but also gives them a stronger incentive to stay undefeated and finish their high school career with four state championships under their belt.

The Warriors’ perfect season earned them a bye for the first round of playoffs, so they will begin their quest for their fifth consecutive Class 4A state title on May 16, when they play either Paint Branch or Mergenthaler.