As of Sept. 6, the freshman softball team is 6-0. All games ended with mercy rule victories.

A mercy rule victory means the umpires end the game early because a team is defeating its opponent by 15 runs after three innings or 10 runs after five innings.

“A mercy rule victory is better than a regular win,” second baseman Caitlyn O’Connor said.

“It shows that we tried our hardest in the beginning,” third baseman Kristen Landon said.

After weeks of practice, the freshman softball team played Howell Central at home. The Vikings defeated the Spartans, 15-2. This win propelled them on to five more victories in the same fashion.

“Practice like you play,” pitcher Courtney Kinion said.

Practice is not the only element that led to these wins. Pre-game rituals and superstitions also contributed.

“The whole team gathers together in a huddle before every game,” O’Connor said.

Although O’Connor does not have any personal pre-game rituals, Landon does.

As Landon steps up to the plate, she draws a “greater than” sign in the dirt at her feet. This is her personal self confidence booster.

“Be better than the opponent,” Landon said.

Using these huddles and self confidence boosters to their advantage, the freshman softball team defeated Howell Central, Timberland, Holt, Ft. Zumwalt West, Fox, and Howell North. Their next game occurs Sept. 11 at 4:15 p.m. against Ft. Zumwalt West at home.

By Maddie Villeneuve