The varsity softball team beat Cosumnes Oaks 7-6 April 28 in their final home game of the season.

After a scoreless first inning, No. 15 Micaela Harris hit a triple followed by a double from No. 9 Shelby Miller, bringing Harris home 1-0. Soon after No. 9 came home with assistance from the only senior on the team, No. 10 Abi Brooks. No. 6 Megan Hunt ran for Brooks and scored as well. The inning ended 3-0 Whitney.

In the fifth inning Cosumnes took the lead after scoring four runs adding to their two runs in the third inning. Whitney took the lead in the sixth inning with another three runs, 7-6.

“I was very comfortable with the way the team was playing. They were playing up to what they can and I wish that they were playing that way all season. But they brought it today and I happy with it,” Coach Beth Turner said.

After the victory, the team celebrated Senior Night. Brooks received flowers and a speech from her co-captain Leena Wilson as well as Turner’s coaching speech.

Wilson organized the event by collecting money and doing all of the decorations. She also gave Brooks a jar of dirt to remember the field.

“We got flowers, a T-shirt and a sash that says ‘On my way to DSU’.  I’ll miss her attitude the most,” Wilson said.

Turner believes that Brooks will do well playing for Dickinson State University next year.

“She is going to do great. She is a strong kid, the college she is playing at is going to appreciate her. She works hard. [I’ll miss] her smile; she always has a good attitude all the time,” Turner said.

Wilson not only is a co-captain with Brooks but is also a close friend. One memory she has of them was when the two first became friends.

“One of the first times we hung out there was this Cheeto bag. We wanted to know how many was in there. So I counted and she thought I was weird,” Wilson said.

Brooks will miss the team and is looking forward to college ball.

She said, “Senior Night was amazing. Leena worked so hard on it and it turned out really nice. I have mixed emotions about the season ending. I’m happy because because I’m excited for college and things to come in the future but also sad because it’s the end and I’ll most likely never play with these girls again.”

by ARIELLA APPLEBY