The Ma’ayanot Rapids began its softball season strongly, with a 16-3 away-game win against Kushner. The Rapids came out swinging, scoring six of its sixteen runs in the very first inning. At the top of the batting order was senior Aliza Kaszovitz (’15), who scored three times, and hit three grounders, each of which was a base hit. Also scoring three runs was the team’s co-captain, Alex Fuchs (’15). In the second inning, Alex hit a huge triple, which brought home two players, Aliza and Elisheva Katz (’16).

Out on the field the Rapids were equally as strong. Noa Applebaum (’17) didn’t give up any runs in either the first or second innings, thanks to her superb pitching. In the third inning, things got interesting on the field, when Kushner began to score. To turn the tide, Noa struck out one batter, and co-captain Tamar Mendelson (’15) made the other two outs by catching fly balls; the Kushner runners were left on the bases.

In the fourth and final inning, Coach Yoni Lieber made a pitching change, bringing in senior Nicole Rothenberg (’15). With some nice fielding by Sophomore Alissa Felder (‘17), Nicole pitched three consecutive outs.

Despite the cold wind (even though it was sunny) the Rapids played with determination and they played well. Strong hitting and smart defensive plays allowed the team to walk away with a win. They are looking forward to playing their next games against Ilan and Frisch next week.

By Shalva Faber