The bottom half of the ninth inning was nearing, Langley High School needed to throw one more strike and the regional semifinal game would be over. The batter took their mark and swung, “Strike three, you’re out,” the umpire called. This marked the end of the CHS varsity softball season, losing 10-0, on May 21, 2024.
Last season, CHS finished with a record of 3-14, only winning against Centerville, Oakton and Falls Church High Schools. However, only one senior left at the end of last year, allowing them to march into this season with the majority of the same players from last year.
“Losing a senior is always hard; we lost an experienced player, but since it was only one player, it shouldn’t be too difficult to bounce back,” sophomore catcher and first baseman Ellie Whiteman said. “This year we have five seniors, allowing for that leadership gap to be filled, and since it was just one player it is a lot easier for us to improve fast.”
On May 10, 2024, the team started the day with a record of 2-12 preparing for their game against Oakton High School later that day. CHS came out with a win against OHS, 14-10. This game marked the first playoff game the team had won in almost a decade.
“This year I am hopeful that we will build on our late-season success last year and win another playoff game,” varsity head coach Donovan McKeown said. “Oakton is our biggest rival, so hopefully we can beat them again this year. The games against them typically come down to the last out.”
The team played OHS this year on April 10, CHS had the lead 7-5 in the fourth inning giving up four runs in the fifth and sixth inning ending with a loss of 9-7. McKeown is confident in the team’s ability to compete at a high level, emphasizing their resilience and competitive mindset that they will use and prepare for their next game against OHS on May 6.
(Gabby Roper)
“We have a good mix of underclassmen, and everyone brings something of value to our team,” McKeown said. “Our team is competitive and fights hard no matter the score.”
As of April 22, varsity softball holds a 1-3 record for the current season. Their sole victory came on March 24 against West Potomac High School in a 12-8 game. The team has faced losses against George C. Marshall, Herndon and Heritage.
“At the beginning of the season, we set individual and team goals,” McKeown said. “For our team, we want to sweep Oakton and Centerville in districts and win at least one playoff game.”
Whiteman says that consistent hard work is the key to success. She believes the team’s rivalry with Oakton and Centerville drives them to compete harder.
“Our goals for this season are to improve every day and to win more games,” Whiteman said. “We’re focusing on staying positive, working hard at practice, and supporting each other on and off the field.”
Along with returning players, the team welcomed three new additions, including freshman Bella Eig, junior Emily Huff and junior Natalie Tamerjan. They are eager for their first year on the varsity girls softball team. The team’s next game is on April 28 against Osbourn High School.
“I think we will do pretty good and definitely better than last year,” Eig said. “We have strong leadership and everyone is really positive and supportive.”
