WSC Silver Champions: York Softball triumphs after an extraordinary season streak

After posting an 11-1 winning record in the regular season, the Softball Team are West Suburban Silver champions. The team won in 2018 and this year they succeeded again in the division.

“It feels amazing to be the WSC Champions,” junior Emily Fujiwara said. “We have worked really hard this year by practicing everyday after school to get ready for this season, and it has paid off. After not being able to have our season last year,  winning conference was a great way to come back after a long break of no high school softball.” 

This is one step in the right direction for the team as this victory was one of their goals for the season. Due to last year’s season being canceled, the team wanted to make this season count.

“This year is extra special after everything that we went through last year with the shutdown and loss of the season,” head coach Brendan Holba said. “Instead of getting down about all that we lost last year, this group has really come together and they play hard every single time they run out onto the field.”

Even despite the uncertainty of the season, the team was able to achieve an impressive winning streak that they hope to continue to the end of the season. 

“I would say that our biggest accomplishment thus far has been defeating our rival, OPRF, twice in one season, something that we have not been able to do for some time now!” assistant coach Lisa Scola said. 

Due to many restricting circumstances this year, the team was not able to prepare like in a typical year. The team learned to adapt and create new ways to practice. 

“Typically, we would have spent time breaking down our offensive and defensive philosophy, growing our skills and preparing for a 35 game regular season,” Holba said. “This year we have been doing it all at the same time and I’m very impressed by the growth of our entire team in such a short time.”

As the season approaches it’s close, the team reflects on this season and what they hope to accomplish in the future.  

“This season in particular, I am extremely proud of our captains and the leadership that they have shown since day one,” Scola said. “We have a special group of girls this year, and they work very well together. I am hoping to close out the season with a trip to state.” 

The team also celebrated their senior night last Monday at Bryan Middle School, something the team last year did not get to do. The girls came out victorious with a score of 17-2. 

“That win felt great,” senior Lauren Derkowski said. “This season I’ve looked forward to making some great memories with the team on and off the field this year, and that’s something we didn’t get last year.” 

Despite all the challenges, the team came together and achieved an outstanding season result. As the season comes to a close, the seniors graduate and the rest of the team looks forward to the next season.

“I am most proud of how this group has handled all of the adversity of losing a season last year to go along with having a very unconventional school year due to the pandemic,” Holba said.   “They have formed a very tight bond as a team and come to practice and games enthusiastic and excited to be together and play in the future.”