Team TFS 14u Finishes second in NSA Relay for Life Tournament

TFS showed up Saturday ready to play, in spite of the cold temperatures, injuries and illnesses among several players. The first pool game saw TFS facing the determined Triangle Lightning. The Lightning came out with their bats blazing and scored four runs in the first inning. TFS battled back and was able to recoup the runs by the end of the fifth inning to tie it up, while keeping the Lightning from putting any more runs on the board. With one minute left on the timer and the score tied, we started the final and fateful inning. The Lightning brought in one run and held TFS to win the game 4 – 5.
Our second pool game was against an opponent new to TFS, the Lee Lightning. During the second game, the TFS bats came alive and the girls showed that they were determined not to let Lightning strike twice in one day. The TFS girls finished their second pool game with a 13 – 1 victory.
After the completion of pool play, our 1 and 1 record seeded TFS against the Carolina Screamers in our first bracket game. The Screamers demonstrated their tenacity with strong bats by rallying from a 6 – 1 deficit and put an additional 3 runs on the board. In the final inning, with the tying run up to bat and runners in scoring position, the TFS defense showed what they were made of and held off the Screamer’s building momentum. The day ended with a 6 – 4 victory for the girls of TFS.
Sunday morning started off bright and crisp with TFS facing its toughest opponent, the JC Clippers. The Clippers arrived well prepared for a difficult battle and came out strong scoring 4 runs in the first inning. TFS took a collective deep breath and buckled down defensively only allowing one additional run the entire game. TFS fought a tight Clippers’ defense and were able to put two runs on the board. However, it was too little too late and TFS came up short with at 2 – 5 loss.
The loss to the Clippers knocked TFS down to the loser’s bracket in this double elimination tournament. This meant the TFS girls would have to play and win three games back to back to earn their right to play in the championship game. As the old Chinese proverb goes, “a journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step.” With that in mind, the girls prepared for their next opponent, the East Wake Spirit. The Spirit faced a tight defense from TFS but our bats seemed to fade. By virtue of a few key hits, bunts and some very aggressive base running, TFS was able to defeat the Spirit 4 – 1.
The next stop on the path to the Championship game was in another face off against the Screamers. The Screamers came to the game battle weary after playing past midnight the previous evening. They fought hard and showed excellent sportsmanship but the girls were just out of gas and TFS won 8 - 0. They did have enough fuel in reserve to join our players in the circle for the “29 Cheer” in honor of Kristy’s memory.
The final hurdle between TFS and the Championship game was the Fuquay Bombs. By this game, the injuries and illnesses were really taking their toll. One player left for the Urgent Care and was diagnosed with infections in each ear and a sinus infection. The muscle cream was also making its rounds through the dugout. Both the Bombs and TFS played a good game but TFS earned the victory ending the game with a score of 6 – 2.
After defeating the Bombs, the TFS girls took their brief break to refuel and rest. One player was even found sleeping on the dugout bench. Unfortunately, amidst the injuries and illnesses, TFS was just not prepared nor did they have the energy remaining to battle the Clippers successfully. TFS hit well, did a great job running the bases and had some fantastic pitching. But between defensive errors by TFS, strong bats from the Clippers and an almost impenetrable Clippers’ defense, TFS was defeated 14 – 3.
TFS ended their second tournament of the year with another second place finish. After 3 games on Saturday and 5 on Sunday, I think everyone was satisfied with the outcome. In addition, more and more people are stopping and taking notice of TFS 14U and realizing that these girls have talent, energy and joy in their game. Congratulations TFS and keep up the good work. GO MEAT!