The teammates reminded each other to keep a positive attitude and look alive out on the field.

The Quantico Middle/High School Lady Warriors varsity softball team played against the Randolph-Macon Academy Yellow Jackets from Front Royal, at Field of Dreams on May 7, 2014.

After canceling 12 games due to weather and only playing six, the Lady Warriors were competing in the season quarterfinals for a spot in the semifinals the next day.

“We practiced once a week if we were lucky,” said retired Sgt. Maj. Jose Diaz, the head coach for the Lady Warriors varsity softball team. “You can’t do all of the things that you would like to do on field, inside a gym.”

The team scored four points in the first inning, and by the time they were in the fourth inning, the Lady Warriors were in the lead 17-1.

“Winning is based on energy,” said Dominique, sophomore and second baseman on the Lady Warriors varsity softball team. “We just try to stay positive and stay away from being a catty team.”

The Lady Warriors got too comfortable in the lead. During the fifth inning, they didn’t score any points, while the Yellow Jackets scored 10 points.

“They got a little flustered, but always support each other and motivate each other, so that in itself speaks volumes of the team,” said Diaz.

Diaz said the strategy is no secret though. As he stood back, he let the team talk to each other and finish strong.

“The strategy is to try to get outs when the other team is batting and get as many runs as we can get when we’re at the plate,” said Diaz. “You try to get a lead as soon as you can and once you do just keep moving forward and they did that today.”

During the sixth inning the game ended due to the Mercy Rule. The Lady Warriors won 21-11, and proceeded to the semifinals the next day.

After the game Dominique was named Most Valuable Player and also received a plaque and a letter for her letterman jacket.

The Lady Warriors were not able to defeat the Highland High School varsity softball team in the semifinals, losing 13-1.

“They Lady Warriors played like true warriors,” said Diaz. “They fought to the end. I couldn’t be prouder of my girls.”

Correspondent: sarah.a.garcia@usmc.mil