By Craig Brown
Sarah Fitzgibbon and Sara Bass work to catch a Stallion runner trying to steal. (Photos by Craig Brown.)
The game began and ended like many of the games for the Warriors this season with the very young Lady Warriors struggling against a very seasoned and talented team. The Warriors were encouraged to have some fun and not put themselves under pressure in this game. The Stallions are a very talented team with strong pitching, fielding, and batting, and will be headed for Lexington County Friday for the state playoffs.
The Warriors observed senior day on Monday and many Warriors were teary eyed as they said goodbye to senior teammates Lauren Lee and Kathryn Brown. The young Warriors learned a lot this season and are expected to play on the field with any team next year but they will surely miss Lee and Brown as players, leaders, and friends. Their shoes will be hard to fill.
Senior Lauren Lee with her mother, Tara Rogers.
Lauren Lee and Makalai Sweat made it to base on walks with Lee adding a stolen base and Sweat getting two stolen bases. Greta Seay made it to base on a hit by pitch.
The Warriors had to borrow the playing skills of two JV players due to injuries this season. Sara Bass and Makinleigh Seals played well enough to gain the respect of varsity players and coaches. A special thank you goes to JV and B-Team Head Coach Delores R. “D-CON” Conn. Coach Conn, assisted by Lannie Carpenter, took a group of mild mannered little girls and turned them into a team of hard core players by the season’s end. Coach Conn retired from Dillon High School where she served as assistant athletic director for several years before coming to DCS. Coach Conn has already made a big difference in girls’ athletics at DCS and is expected to be a solid asset to the school, hopefully for years to come.
Senior Kathryn Brown with her parents, Dr. Michael Brown and Mary Brown.
Many thanks to Julie Fitzgibbon that provided transportation, maintained the books and made sure refreshments were on hand at the games. Sandy Carpenter drove the bus for the team when it was available. Warrior Athletic Director Christian Wolfe made sure the fields were ready for each game.
The Warriors won no games this season but many personal victories were realized. In the early season young players stood paralyzed at the plate and in the field but by midseason many were hitting some of the best pitching in the state and making great putouts in the field. It is always hard to say goodbye to players at the end of the season especially when two players like Lauren Lee and Kathryn Brown leave the team for good. Lee and Brown are outstanding students, athletes, and friends of many and will make their mark as assets to our world.
The DCS awards banquet will be held Tuesday at the Dillon Wellness Center. The singing duo of BROWNLEE has been ask to sing the National Anthem to open the event.
Photos by Craig Brown. Click images below to view at full size!
