MOUNT VERNON — Just as the first notes of the National Anthem drifted across the Mount Vernon High School girls softball diamond, the sun broke through the clouds.
Still, that sunshine proved to be as elusive as the Briggs High School offense as the visitors fell to 15-0 to Mount Vernon in a girls district semifinal softball game.
The Yellow Jackets used a combination of finesse and power, laying down five straight bunts, complemented by two home runs to build a 9-0 lead by the end of the first inning.
In keeping with the cold, wet, football-type weather, the Yellow Jackets defeated the Bruins by two touchdowns and three extra points.
In a light drizzle with bases loaded and one out in the fourth inning, the Bruins’ coaching staff threw in the proverbial towel, ending the game early.
Mount Vernon girls softball coach Ryan Pentz tried to keep the game in perspective as he addressed his team following the win.
“Here is a life lesson for you,” he told his charges. “Keep in mind not everyone, every team has the resources you have.
“They don’t go to Florida for spring break. They do not have facilities that allow them to play year ‘round. It is important to remember how fortunate you are.”
After the team broke the huddle and began post-game cleanup, Penntz praised those who support sports.
“Our athletic department does an amazing job of getting these resources available to all of our athletes,” Pentz said while pointing across the field at the Energy Field House.
“Sometimes it is easy to take all of this for granted. We get to work out year-round. It may rain tomorrow, if it does, we’ll go inside and hit, not everyone gets to do that.”
The fifth-year coach pointed out the critical role chemistry plays in the team’s 23-2 record.
“The great thing about this group, and don’t get me wrong, they can get under my skin,” he said with a smile. “But they truly have fun together.
“Let’s celebrate our victories, let’s celebrate each other, let’s celebrate our time together. “
Pentz hopes that this chemistry will sustain the team in the postseason.
“Hopefully that gives them the edge as they go into tournament play. They want to keep being together every day,” Pentz said.
The mentor believes that the more experienced players continue to cultivate the winning tradition.
“I have been with groups that when the time together was over, we were ready to move on,” Pentz said. “That is not the case with this group, and hopefully that comes from the senior leadership.”
The Jackets will travel to Olentangy High School on Friday to square off against Big Walnut with the first pitch slated for 5 p.m.