By Jeremy McDonald
Jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com
MEDFORD, Ore.– The Salem Academy softball team faced some seriously tough challenges in the North Medford Tournament the past two days.
In four games down in Southern Oregon, the Crusaders faced tough pitching, some top teams in 3A’s Dayton, Amity and Willamina as well as 4A’ Philomath over the course of the four games that they played Monday and Tuesday.
Monday’s opener against Dayton, a 5-2 defeat, and their Tuesday and Tournament finale against the Warriors of Philomath, a 6-2 defeat, showed them what needs to be done to close out tough games. Tuesday’s opening game against Amity, saw the Crusaders picking up their second victory of the season when they edged the 3A Warriors 12-8 as Salem Academy turned their focus to 2A/1A Special District 2 league action on Monday against St. Paul.
“It was a lot of fun, we got to see a lot of different pitchers, a lot of good pitchers,” said Olivia Kansky. “It made us realize some of our little mistakes and that we need to come together to support each other and not turn on each other.”
Coming off of their 2A/1A State Quarterfinal run last Spring, the competition they faced will hopefully lead them to further success this Spring in League Play and into the postseason.
“It was really fun to see how we stacked against these different teams,” adds Addi Bennett. “It’s really good to have that competition… It was a good test to see how mentally strong we are as a team and how we can come together each time. I’m really proud of our girls.
“Last year was a huge building year for us, I’m super excited to keep building this year and give it our all. Grow with my team and trusting the process.”
Addi Bennett hit a three-run Home Run against Amity, drove in three runs on five hits on the day while striking out 16 pitching in 12 innings. Lilly Bennett collected five hits and drove in two runs as well. Addie Brault had four hits and drove in two runs for Salem Academy.
Photos By Jeremy McDonald
