Softball Success

Margaret Lorio, MCA Webmaster
The expectations this season were high for the 2007 varsity softball team.  Returning all but one player from the 2006 district and regional championship team, the Cubs were most people's favorites to repeat this success.  And repeat it they did.  The Cubs won their second straight district and regional championship and finished their season at the state tournament in Sulphur, LA for the third time in four years.

However, from the very beginning, the coaches and players knew that every season presents new challenges and they could not just ride on their 2006 successes.  First, the Cubs added eight freshmen to their varsity roster, which meant integrating new players into their system and getting the new and returning players to mesh.  Secondly, the team experienced a tremendous loss when all-district (2006) starter Lauren Batiz suffered a season ending knee injury.  Lastly, the squad knew they were playing in the ever competitive district 8, known for being one of the toughest districts in the 5-A softball division.  The coaches and players knew that the only way to continue their winning ways was with teamwork, preparation, and dedication.


 

 

 

 
 
Practices began in early January and the talent level was quite obvious, but would it be enough?  Head Coach Jerry Nugent commented on the early stages of the season:  "It was apparent that we had a very talented team, but it takes more than just talent.  It takes dedication, hard work, and a commitment to each other to achieve success in this sport."  In true MCA fashion, the team rose to the occasion.  Practicing vigorously and becoming true students of the game, the team steadily prepared themselves for the upcoming season, which began with 12-0 victory over East Jefferson.  The Cubs built on this momentum and started the season with an eight game winning streak, playing their best ball.  The Cubs went undefeated in the first round of district, and on April 3rd clinched their second consecutive district title with a 12-6 victory over Dominican.  Now the team was primed for the so called "second season," THE PLAYOFFS.

 

 

Mount Carmel now faced the challenge of a single elimination playoff format where each win marks one step closer to "the big dance", a trip to the state tournament in Sulphur.  In the first round MCA defeated Covington at home to clinch an appearance in the regional championship game.  In the regional, the Cubs traveled to Baton Rouge to face a tough Central High School team.  In a very competitive game, Mount Carmel pulled out a 2-1 victory and clinched their second straight regional championship and another trip to Sulphur, their third in four seasons.

 
 

 
The Cubs fell short of the state title losing to Airline in Sulphur, but their season could not be described as anything but a success.  Finishing with a 28-8 record, a second straight district title, a second straight regional title, and breaking 15 school records along the way, the team's most important achievement was the one that has helped them maintain a high level of success over the years… they worked hard and played as a team.


 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 
The 2007 softball season is now over and for five seniors the ending came too soon.  Although the finish wasn't exactly what the Cubs hoped for, the team couldn't be anything less than satisfied with their tremendous accomplishments this season.  When asked about the team and the season, head coach Jerry Nugent responded, "I couldn't be more proud of this group of girls.  They really came together and played as a team."  As far as the future goes, the squad graduates five seniors that have given the program a lifetime of memories and life lessons to hold on to.  "They are going to be successful at whatever they choose to do in life."  Nugent said.  As for the other players, they are already eager for the start of next season to continue on in the success that the team has enjoyed.

 
 

 

 

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