The GRAY STORM was found one year later celebrating into the night as they successfully defended their title reign Tuesday evening. Despite low 40 degree temps, frost setting in on the field and a series plagued of injuries, GRAY used it's consistant ability to have timely hitting to secure their win vs Navy Blue. Both teams, as with every meeting on the field, had something to prove this year as they left it all on the field when it was all over.
GRAY was opposed by Green in the first round; winning 2-0 in that quarterfinal series. Then on to Orange (which seems to take a month to get completed) in the semi's to again work a 2-1 game series over a talented, young, new team. Navy Blue, the top seeded team of 2010, squared off against Purple in the quarterfinals and then Powder Blue in the semi's, running the board on both teams. The series victories put forth by both teams put the Finals into the spotlight of what team was going to show up to claim victory.
On evenings that quickly become somber moments due to injuries, both teams proceeded to play for those fallen. Monday evening found hard playing Lee Scarfo let it all out on the field laying out for a ball in the left center alley. He went down for the ball and collided with the fence and post. After time, he got to his feet and would not be helped off. He had breaks in his right arm that later the next day required surgery to fix.
Tuesday evening, Navy was coming out to show their solidarity for Lee. With his jersey hanging on the fence, they were determined to even the series and make it a 3 game battle. As quick as the game started, it was marred yet again with the lights of emergency assistance. Leadoff hitter Mike Guzman hit a hard shot to the infield. As the play continued, Mike attempted to poise his team for an early attack. As the play at second developed, Gray's shortstop and Mike collided and all movement stopped. Mike had broken his ankle and yet again hush the players and crowd. Following a long break in the action, some players still had the thoughts of the events that have clouded the series.
As play resumed, both teams battled and pounded the ball, scattering hits all over the field and taking extra bases. When the dust settled, both teams were satisfied they left it all on the field for another hard fought competitive championship. Congratulations to Navy Blue for a great season and the other teams of the 2010 season.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Lee and Mike for a speedy, successful recovery and looking forward to seeing them across the diamond for another season in LAC CoEd softball next year.