Albany High’s hopes for repeating as NCS softball champions were crushed by a hard-hitting Bishop O’Dowd team that jumped out to a 4-0 first inning lead and then cruised to a 9-0 victory Saturday afternoon at Chabot College.
The Cougar’s usually solid defense faltered early on and the Dragons took advantage of every opportunity.
At the plate, the Cougars lacked punch, with only a handful of runners even getting into scoring position.
As difficult as the loss was, the 22-4 Cougars have much to be proud of and to look ahead to. In two years, the team has reached the NCS finals twice, with a championship in 2008.
The squad is only losing one player, shortstop Hannah Kramer, to graduation. With a lineup full of playoff-experienced players, another NCS championship – and getting by nemesis O’Dowd – are well within reach.
Congratulations softball Cougars!
Thanks to all the fans at the game who went along with my 7th inning cheer…I’m told the O’Dowd fans didn’t have the dignity to appreciate our efforts to keep our chins up. Some people just can’t win in style.
Aahh you just ran into the dragon den. It’s always a homecourt advantage. They have a lot of tradition and this was the first championship ever in softball.
Albany has great fans they just didn’t have much to cheer about.
Seems like a good rivalry has started Maybe you’ll schedule a few preseason games this year.
Miss V. is one of the best coaches in Albany High School history…already!