The Briar Woods Varsity Softball team wrapped up an impressive season with a 16-7 record, capping off a dominant playoff run that earned them the title of district champions. After finishing third in the district, the Falcons soared through the playoffs and secured a 4-0 shutout win over Stone Bridge in the district championship game on Thursday, May 29. They carried that momentum into regionals, advancing to the championship game against Riverside. Despite a tough loss on Monday, June 2, the Falcons’ postseason run and district crown showcased a standout performance this season.
“[I loved seeing] the way the girls all worked together this season and became closer as a team. Last season, there were more returning players who already had chemistry, but this year, it was more of a mix. I was really proud of how the girls supported each other this season and made more of an effort to get to know each other and become one as a team and more like a family,” reflected Head Coach David Wortman.
The Falcons came up just short in the regional championship game on Monday, June 2, falling 3-2 to Riverside in a tightly contested matchup that closed out an otherwise dominant postseason run. Briar Woods struck first, plating two runs early and applying pressure to Riverside’s pitching. Sophomores Kara Yurish and Natalie Posusney each tallied two hits, with Posusney adding an RBI and Yurish scoring a run. Senior Caitlin Sikora chipped in with a hit and an RBI, while senior Caprice Bohmer and sophomore Ashley Barbera contributed at the plate. In the circle, Bohmer threw a complete game, allowing six hits and three earned runs while striking out 12. The Rams answered with timely offense, including a solo home run by senior Marissa Skinner, and pulled ahead late. Their bullpen held off the Falcons in the final innings, despite a late push from the Falcons. Though the game ended in heartbreak, Briar Woods ended the season as district champions and regional finalists, a testament to their grit and the lasting impact of their seniors.
“Riverside was definitely a tough loss, and I’m sad for our seniors and just for the entire team itself because we battled so hard, and we had hopes of winning regionals, but that was unfortunately crushed. Riverside will probably be a big rival for us again next season, because they have a lot of strong players, but I think we’re a strong team, so we’ll be ready,” continued Coach Wortman.
Sophomores Lucy Colbert and Natalie Posusney shared some of their favorite memories from the season.
“My favorite memory from this season was my best friend Natalie Posusney hitting a nuke, her first nuke of sophomore year,” shared Colbert. “And for me, getting a double play earlier this season,” Colbert continued.
Looking back on the final game and the season overall, Posusney reflected on what it meant to her.
“Not everything is guaranteed, so enjoy the moments while they’re still there,” Posusney said. “I’m definitely going to miss the seniors because they had a big impact on me, but I had a lot of fun and I’m ready to come back next year,” she concluded.
