As the Derby Invasion Softball team took their 5-5 record into the final two games of the season to Anthony, KS against the home team Chaparral High School JV, one thing was assured – they would end the day with the most successful season in Derby Invasion Softball history.   That is something a team can count on in their inaugural season.

After celebrating the 10 year anniversary of the Derby Invasion Homeschool Athletic Association at the annual banquet two nights earlier the Derby women were looking to end their first season on a high note.   Coach Amy Macias spoke that night of the character of the women and what a pleasure it was to coach a team that was so coachable.   Coach Macias would see these very qualities put to the test as her team faced Chaparral without their hot hitting first baseman, Kay Denton.

Game 1

The Invasion were liking their chances of a game one win scoring two quick runs when Katie St. John led off the game with a single followed by a walk to Renae Bergen.   Katie scored on a passed ball and Renae scored on a ground out off the bat of Jewels Wampler.   The defense held behind Elizabeth Macias, including a fantastic running catch in right field by Laurel Palmer, and the first inning ended with Derby leading 2-0.

Morgan Dester led off the second inning with a single and eventually scored on a passed ball to extend the Derby lead to 3-0.   Chaparral managed a run in the bottom of the inning to avoid the shutout and Derby took the 3-1 lead into the top of the third inning.

In the third Derby batters hit the ball well with the first three batters, Katie, Renae, and Jewels each reaching on base hits. With the bases loaded a walk to Laurel forced over the fourth Derby run.   Elizabeth came up to the plate with a chance to hit the first grand slam in Derby Invasion softball history but came up short as the ball landed in the glove of the Chaparral center fielder.   Morgan followed with a single knocking in two runs and a 6-1 score.   Then with two outs and two on, Kerrie Barger doubled to score Morgan then finally scoring herself on a single by Melody Bloyer giving Derby a 9-1 lead.

In the bottom of the third, Elizabeth struck out the side, but not before Chaparral was able to score four runs and close the gap to 9-5.   Derby went quietly in order in the 4^th inning as they were retired in order for the first time in the game.   And then came the bottom of the fourth – you know that recurring   nightmare where you’re trying to reach something but no matter how hard you try it’s always just out of your reach?   Well, that was the fourth inning for Derby as Chaparral sent 17 batters to the plate with the first 13 reaching base.   The inning ended (finally) with the Invasion lead turned upside down and Chaparral taking an 18-9 lead.