The mighty Ma’ayanot Rapids are back on their best game—softball. The Rapids started the season a bit rocky, but they claimed their victory over the Frisch Cougars, on April 27, in an epic game that will forever go down in yeshiva league softball history.
When the Ma’ayanot team arrived at Frisch there were some minor technical difficulties that set the game back both time wise, and score wise. The field was muddy due to the recent days of gishmei shamayim, and therefore the teams were left with two not so amazing options. A. The game could be postponed, which would be unbelievably unfortunate for so many out-of-towners (OTC!!!), or B. The game could be played on the grassy part of the field. Now, option B may seem quite wonderful, unless you know how to play softball, in which case you would realize that running, sliding and in-fielding on the grass is quite difficult. And on top of that, there is a minor slant in the level of the field, creating an even more difficult situation.
In the top of the first inning, Ma’ayanot had a rough time up at bat, only getting one baserunner, off an infield single from Tali Antosofsky (’18), and in the bottom of the first, allowed for (gulp) five runs in, resulting in Frisch leading 5-0. After a nice pump up from Coach Yoni Lieber, the Rapids managed to get the bases loaded in the second inning, but no one came home. They also allowed for another run in from Frisch. With spirits pretty low, the Rapids knew that the only way to bring home the victory was to change their attitudes, cheer on their teammates, and only swing at the gold. Sol Emunah Richter (’19) started the third inning off with a double to center field. She then came home when Tali Antosofsky (’18) ripped an RBI triple into center field, reeling in an incredible roar of cheer from the newly established softball “Cheer Squad.” Frisch was held at 6, and didn’t score any runs in the third inning, which was a huge step up from the previous two innings.
The real miracle was in the fourth (and final) inning, when the mighty Ma’ayanot Rapids rallied, and brought in a whopping eight runs, beating Frisch 9-6.
They started off with famous catcher, Sarah Berman (’18), who came home along with the next three in the batting order—Danielle Pasternack (’17), Adira Levine (’18) and Mia Nissel (’19). After two slight hiccups, Sol Emunah Richter (’19) came home, as well as the next three following her—Alissa Felder (’17), Tali Antosofsky (’18) and Adina Falk (’17). 80% of the runs were made by RBIs, while the remaining 20% were results of walks.
After this incredible talent show, Ma’ayanot still needed to hold Frisch at 6, which was done with the incredible talent of three of their players. The first out was made when Adina Falk (’17) caught a pop up—making a show stopping dash for the out. The next out was by the incredible pitcher, Noa Applebaum (’17), who struck out a player. And lastly, Mia Nissel (’19), who not only made the final out of the game, but was a key asset to the Rapids’ victory.
After the fourth inning it started to get dark, and both coaches decided that to end the game, giving Ma’ayanot the victory after an unbelievable game.
A Rapids victory can’t go without mentioning the various other incredible in-field wonders. Shoutout to Adira Levine (’18) for making all three outs in the second inning, with an assist from Tali Antosofsky (’18) on one of them, as well as an out in the first. To Sarah Berman (’18), catcher of the century—Sarah made an incredible out at home in the first inning, which was crucial in stopping the influx of runs that Frisch was attempting to accomplish.
When telling the story of victory to the entire Ma’ayanot student body, Adira Levine (’18) showed complete hakarat hatov to the almighty for such a wonderful game, which ended at a reasonable hour leaving time for all common nightly activities one needs to accomplish before they head to school the following day.
By Shalva Faber (’18)
