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Kelsie Johnson
Guardian Sports Reporter kelsie@nasguard.com
Published: Aug 18, 2012
Now that ace pitcher Mary ‘Cruise’ Edgecombe-Sweeting is back on the mound, the YII Shipping Wildcats are sharpening their claws wanting to scrape their way into one of the four playoff spots in the New Providence Softball Association (NPSA). After two years of watching from the stands, Edgecombe-Sweeting returned on Thursday night. She was on her way to a shut-out victory until Ronda Cooper hit an inside the park grand slam that drove in three runs. The Wildcats would hold off the third inning charge by the Lady Hitmen and won to a tune of 17-5. The win rounded off a perfect night for the softball club, whose men, the YII Shipping Bulldogs defeated Mighty Mitts 10-3. Ken Wood was tagged with the win in that game and Thela Johnson got the loss on the women’s side. “It is feels extremely good. I was just excited to get back there and not to concern about the win,” said Edgecombe-Sweeting. “Just to be out there playing was tremendous. My teammates really, really supported me last night (Thursday). It was a lot of unity and togetherness. They were all excited that I was back. The fans showed their love and cheered me. I know that the crowd really missed my presence because everyone was talking about it. “It was hard watching the team play and the games. I wanted to heal properly. As always your health comes first so it was hard just sitting there at times watching the games, wanting to go out there. Waiting paid off because I didn’t want to go out there and not be able to play to my full potential.” Edgecombe-Sweeting was sidelined after a tearing the ligaments in her knee. She underwent two surgeries, one on her foot and the other on her knee. Even though she is able to walk around and play today, she said she’s still feeling a little pain especially when she wears hard shoes. Edgecombe-Sweeting is willing to work through the pain that she is feeling. Not only has she returned to play in the NPSA, but she is trying her hand at the national team as well. She said: “I’ve been attending a few national team practices and they have welcomed me back so I will be traveling with the team this November. Basing it on last night’s performance I will say that I am not 100 percent and not where I want to be exactly. But I am sure that if I continue to play and work hard I can get back to where I was. “As far as the Wildcats, we never, ever worry about pennant. Once we hit the playoffs we usually turn it up. We just want to get into the playoffs. We know once we get into the playoffs, the Wildcats will overcome our hard times. We always rise to the occasion and with me back I am sure whoever we play in the playoffs, they too know that we are a force to be reckoned with.” The Wildcats are currently sitting in fourth. The team will return to the field next week against the Proper Care Pool Sharks, the third place team. |
