Warriors take giant step toward title

By: Lance Cpl. Antwaun Jefferson

Quantico Sentry
Quantico, VA | May 14, 2012

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va.(May 9) – The Quantico Middle/High School Boys Baseball Team has been on a figurative rollercoaster this past week as they get faced off against two evenly matched teams right before their Delaney Athletic Conference playoff game.

On May 3, the Warriors only had to play five out of seven innings against Saint Michael the Archangel High School Warriors before the mercy rule was put into effect. In the end, the Warriors demolished Saint Michaels, 12-2.

"We were more aggressive at the plate and on the base paths," said Paul Roy. "We missed out on one run but we took advantage of most opportunities presented to us, which made for a great game."

There was no time for a rest as the Warriors faced-off against the Massanutten Military Academy Colonels at Woodstock, Va., the next day. In that game though, the Warriors had trouble bringing in runs. Before the Warriors knew it, the game was taken out of their hands and in the fifth inning, the Colonels beat them, 13-3.

Now even after the loss, the Warriors kept their heads up and looked forward to their first playoff game on Tuesday against the Highland High School Highlanders at Quantico.

"I'm hoping to win this playoff game," Roy said. "I think we're going in as the better team and the Warriors know they should win. It's actually too bad the season is coming to an end. The more games they play, the more experience they get and the more natural things seem to have been coming together."

It was a close game all the way down to the final inning.  The game was tied, 2-2, in the bottom of the seventh with the Warriors at bat with two outs. The Warriors team captain, Ronald, a senior, was ready to bat but before he got the chance to the Highlanders walked him to load the bases.

With another Warrior at bat, and the game on the line, tension filled the air. The Highlanders pitcher through the ball too low for their catcher get to it and the ball bounced over his head. With this small opportunity, Cody, an eighth grade player for the Warriors, sprinted for the home plate and dove head first, trying to beat the catcher.

As, the dust settled and everyone was silent, awaiting the umpire's call. "Safe," yelled the umpire and the Warriors, along with their families, went crazy as they witnessed one of the best games the Warriors had this season.

The Warriors current record is 7-8 and they are now headed to Fredericksburg to play the Fredericksburg Christian School Eagles in the second round of the playoffs on Thursday.

Correspondent: antwaun.jefferson@usmc.mil

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