Seniors celebrate their final year on the Lady Broncos’ Softball team with an epic win against Scotlandville. 

It was a sunny evening at the John Herty softball field on Thursday, March 23. The sun was beginning to sink lower and lower toward the horizon, casting a gold light on the park. Red, white, and Columbia blue balloons hung from the stands. Pompoms and cowbells lined the bleachers, waiting for a shake or a ring. Family members and friends conversed, laughing and exchanging smiles as they found their seats. It was the highly anticipated Senior Night where three graduating seniors, Kayden Labouliere, Samantha Deshotels, and Hailey Gleason, were celebrating their last season on the team. 

When the commentator’s microphone finally crackled to life, the spectators hushed in an eager silence. As their names were announced, the three seniors strode across the diamond, prompting loud cheers from their teammates on the sideline. The girls were recognized with trophies, flowers, and kind words from their coaches and teammates. It was a bittersweet moment for the team. Deshotels and Gleason recounted their season and described their passion for the sport and their team.  

“We’ve had a lot of ups and downs this season, but every part of it makes us grow closer, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world,” said Deshotels.  

Additionally, Gleason said, “I think the team we have this year has had some of the best chemistry… I think I’m just going to miss the bonds that I’ve created.”  

The team surrounded each other, smiling and laughing as they thought back on memories from the season. 

When it was time for the game to begin, the girls exchanged high fives and quick handshakes before beginning. Zachary pitches first; pitcher Hailey Gleason threw fast, unpredictable balls, keeping Scotlandville from scoring a single run. At the bottom of the first inning, Zachary scored a whopping eleven runs before the ref called for the second inning. 

This trend continued into the second inning, with no hits or runs from Scotlandville. Zachary scored four more runs, bringing the score to 16 to 0. 

The third inning was called short after Scotlandville failed to score, ending the game in Zachary’s favor at 16 to 0.