For the first time in over a decade, the varsity women’s softball team beat Archbishop Spalding 3-0.  For senior Rebekah Alban, who didn’t even know she was going to play high school softball this year, it was a special surprise.

Alban came to JC this year and was welcomed with open arms by the softball team.  She said that it was a lot of work, but she adapted her game and started to mesh with the team as the season went on.  It was a good thing she fit in because Alban’s thirteen strike outs were the key to winning against the tough competitor.

“I was really excited about that. My goal this year when I figured out I would be playing Spalding was to beat them,” Alban said.

According to Alban, the best part of the team’s play on that day was their hitting ability. Alban said that the team’s batting “improved immensely against Spalding’s pitcher” who is a usually a dominant player.

Alban said, “She did not dominate over us.  We had two walks by her and an error, which left three on base. Then, Amanda Norris hit a triple that brought all three of them in. I was really proud.”

With so few points on the board for the Patriots, it was especially important to keep Spalding off of the bases.  Spalding was only able to get two hits off of Alban’s pitches during the game, leaving them little to no opportunity to score.

Alban plans to try out for the Towson University softball team next year.  After attending many camps at the school, she hopes that her dream of playing “college ball” will come true.

However, Alban will not forget the last season she played as a high school student.  “[The win over Spalding] just shows that we are a great team and we can play with the best.  I led them to this great victory with the help of the bats coming alive. I could not wipe the smile off my face. I had accomplished my goal and it was a great moment that many will remember.” Alban said.

Allison Siegel can be reached for comment at [email protected].