By Avi Horowitz & Chaim Sussman

Middle Girls softball reached an exciting conclusion when the top two seeded teams faced off against each other in the championships this past Sunday. The season included many dramatic wins for both teams and so it was only fitting that the championship game generated the same amount of drama.

The Bullfrogs were definitely amongst the league leaders in having fun. Roslyn Bloom and Leba Reis were always keeping everyone loose with their positive attitude, humor, and lifting their teammates up both emotionally and physically. Both girls also used their speed to beat out several close plays at first base. Michaela Strauss and Emma Katz were amazing teammates, playing anywhere on the field where they could help the team. As the season progressed, they also became more and more comfortable in the batter’s box, taking close pitches and working the count, waiting for the pitch they could connect with. Kayla Dalezman and Abby Dolny developed power swings and had key hits driving in big runs which led the Bullfrogs to the championship game.

The Bullfrogs started the game strong with four runs in the top of the first inning led by big hits from Noa Horn, Chani Sussman and Alexa Strauss. The Sharks would respond in the bottom of the first with two runs on their own. In the top of the second inning, the Bullfrogs added two more runs to push their lead to 6-2. The Bullfrogs consistently played stellar defense behind their starting pitcher, Livi Hoenig, who was at the top of her game on the mound. Big plays were made in the field by Izzy Rehaut, and Brielle Shor.

The score remained 6-2 until the bottom of the fifth inning when Sharks finally broke out with three runs by getting hits up and down the lineup from their big time hitters Eliana Hanauer, Hailey Teller and Yael Zelkowitz. This brought the score to 6-5 heading into the final inning. Adira Horowitz continued to pitch shutout softball with a 1-2-3 top of the sixth inning. She was supported by excellent defense behind her that included her quiet but fierce teammates Naomi Frolich, Aliza Allen, Sophie Bendheim and Reyna Bernstein.

Things got really heated in the bottom of the sixth inning when the Sharks, down 6-5, got big hits from Leora Schnall, Ayla Sobin and Layla Mittel to load the bases. With two outs and their season on the line, Adira came to the plate. Chani gathered herself and quickly got ahead in the count with no balls and two strikes. On the third pitch of the at bat, Adira took a big swing, laced a triple to right field that drove in the winning runs and secured the championship for the Sharks. Immediately after the game, Adira embraced Chani in a display of sportsmanship, which is what this league is all about.

It was an exciting end to a fantastic season. Both teams showed their appreciation to the coaches for their hard work and dedication. The Bullfrogs were led by Chaim Sussman, Emily Rehaut and Danielle Strauss. While the Sharks were led by Avi Horowitz, Alan Teller and Jonah Sobin. We look forward to another fun filled softball season next spring.