by Michael Natelli ’14

It seemed as though the Warriors could do no wrong on Saturday afternoon, as five runs and yet another stellar pitching performance by Meggie Dejter carried the team to its second consecutive state title.

364 days after Dejter pitched a one-hit, complete-game shutout in the 2012 State Championship against Chesapeake, she brought the same stuff to the mound this time around scattering just four hits and a walk over seven shutout innings.

But this time, Dejter had the chance to pitch with an early lead.

After back-to-back leadoff walks by Amelia Naik and Julie Swarr, Nicole Stockinger and Megan McDonough hit RBI single and triples respectively, giving the Warriors and Dejter a 3-0 heading into the second inning.

“Last year we were so nervous,” said Dejter. “This year … [I was] able to go through the game really relaxed.”Dejter’s confidence was apparent in the early going, as she struck out four batters through the first three innings.

The Warriors would add two more insurance runs in the fifth and sixth innings, giving Dejter a 5-0 lead to work with in the top of the seventh. Dejter wouldn’t need the cushion, however, as she struck out the side to end the game.

The win gave the Warriors their second state title, and their second in as many years. On top of that, it extended the team’s win streak to 42 consecutive games dating back to last season.

With 78 percent of the roster returning next season, as well as plenty of talented stocked up on the junior varsity roster, the Warriors are well-positioned to have continued success in 2014. Third time’s the charm? We’ll have to wait and see.

Photo Credit: Brendan Cudd ’14