Final Handshakes

As much of a nightmare spring sports can be when it comes to juggling school, work, travel, rainouts and makeup games, you hate to see it end. Unless, of course, it's the last game possible and it ends with a Wisconsin-shaped trophy in your hands.

Such was not the case for our Royal ball clubs tonight.

Softball and Baseball both played at 4:30 p.m. – the girls hosting Blair-Taylor at home for round one of sectionals and the boys traveling to No. 1 ranked Pittsville for round two of regionals.

I had hopes the boys could pull off an upset and bust the playoff bracket. So I opted to go to their game, figuring I could catch the undefeated Lady Royals later in the week.

I was wrong on both counts. I was keeping tabs on the girls' game while at the boys' game. Was crushed when they fell to the Blair-Taylor team, 3-0. Such a great season!

The boys had their game in hand ... for awhile. We had a 2-0 lead for several innings, then fell behind but still within reach. Then, there was that one inning that turned the tables for us, and our boys lost 7-3. What an effort!

It's always so sad to hear the last "line up and shake hands, boys" and see the last kneel-down and coaches' talk.

There are some amazing seniors on both our teams that will be missed. Proud of them and their "careers" as Royals. Might even catch a few at the ball parks this summer.

You know Coach and I are always up for a good game.