Softball: Cougars End Regular Season with Win

With their 3-1 win over Westfield on Friday, the Oakton High softball team further solidified their hold on first place in the Concorde District. 

The Cougars are 9-1 in the Concorde District — four games ahead of three teams tied for second place with records of 5-5.

Their latest win came off the bat of senior Emily Krisanda, who hit a two-run double in the sixth inning to take the lead after senior Emily Corridon started the rally. The Cougars scored their third run on an error.

"As usual, Emily [Corridon] started things off for us. She is the switch that turns us on," Coach Ray Gordon said. "And E.K. is just having a great season. She's leading the team in RBIs."

In the third inning, the Bulldogs scored an unearned run — the consequence of a defense that remained disorganized for most of the game.

"We made probably more errors in that game than we made all year," Gordon said. "We didn't hit very well either. We grounded out a lot and flew out a lot until late in the game. Then Emily got us started. I think it may have been Senior Night jitters. All of that stuff can take away from focus."

Though the Cougars dominate the Concorde District in the standings, Gordon is not predicting an easy road to the district title.

"Our girls, if they focus, we should we the tournament. If they don't, we won't," Gordon said. "If we don't make errors, we're going to be really hard to beat in this tournament. And for offense, when Emily [Corridon] gets on base, we score her. So if Emily gets on base, we'll win games."

And though he believes his team and their parents have set their sights only on the district title, Gordon sees the potential for a state title if they can stay focused. 

"I think we're as good as anybody. There isn't a team out there that I think we can't beat, especially in the region," Gordon said. 

Before the game, the Cougars hosted a ceremony to honor the five seniors —Corridon, Mandy Krage, Hayley French, Amy Higgins and Angie Noviello — a class that will always hold a special place for Gordon, as they started high school the same year he became assistant coach.

"The three leaders, Emily, Mandy and Hayley, were freshmen on the varsity team and they were the ones that wanted me to be the head coach and pushed me to go for this job. I have a very close bond with those girls," Gordon said. "All five are awesome, well-rounded girls. I love them to death. They're the reason I coach at Oakton. When this season does end, it'll be a very emotional time for me."