Tuesday, July 26, 2011

LED Fans Coax Moments of Magic from Softball Squad

Thursday, July 7, 2011
LED fans could feel the excitement as the squad took the field against the House of Representatives yesterday at Perkins Road Park, still a bit battle worn from last week’s face-off with the Board of Regents. 
The defense struggled a bit this week against LED’s strongest hitting opponent to date.  However, there were “moments of magic” scattered throughout the game, such as Chris Fallin’s perfect throw from right center to Eddie James at home, denying a run for the House.  James Caldwell also made a great diving second-effort catch to rob the House of a sure thing.  Alicia Ardoin and Steven Grissom blanketed the right side of the infield, and Pernici was, well, Pernici!
Eddie James pitched all 7 innings again this week and managed to hold one of the leagues’ heaviest hitters, Daniel Waguespack (yes, LED’s former Budget Analyst), to a single out of the park homer in four at-bats – not an easy feat.   Most teams watch the ball fly over the fence every time Waguespack steps up to the plate.  James largely kept the House’s hits in the air by combining knuckle balls and other tricky pitches.  The LED defense also kept the heavy bat of House shortstop Representative John Schroder to a single hit.
LED fielded 13 players and racked up 8 hits, scoring once in the top of the sixth due to the amazing speed of Sarah Vanden Broek (former Bucknell University track team sprinter).   Vanden Broek was a pinch runner for Alicia Ardoin after her single to left center.  Ardoin’s hit was followed by consecutive singles from Chris Fallin, which moved Vanden Broek to third, and Jason El Koubi to get Vanden Broek across the plate.
But the real shining stars were the fans who brought energy, excitement, and most importantly refreshments to the field.  Sandy Granata and Pattie Pipes provided Corona punch (recipe below) for the fans and the players which somehow managed to make its way into the dugout during the game, and which could have accounted for an uncharacteristic strikeout by Linda Regira in the fourth inning.  Leu Anne Greco provided watermelon, orange slices and a killer trail mix (recipe below) that was enjoyed by all.  There was even talk of tailgating in the near future.
Despite all of the high energy, fun and support, LED did not ultimately win this game either.  However, it was another great outing for the team and hopes remain high for a win next week against the Department of Insurance.  The game is set for 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 12 at Perkins Road Park.
Many thanks to all who STEPPED UP TO THE PLATE for LED.
PLAYERS:  Alicia Ardoin (BDS), Allison Gilmore (Secretary), Brenda Guess (BIS), Chris Fallin (BI), Eddie James (BDS), James Caldwell (Student), Jason El Koubi (SEC), Julie Van Scotter (COS), Linda Regira (Policy & Planning), Michael Pernici (Lead Development), Micki Dugan (FastStart), Sarah Vanden Broek, and Steven Grissom (Executive/Deputy Secretary).  Susan Bigner (BIS) kept the books for the team.
FANS:  Allison Gilmore’s husband James, Alicia Ardoin’s daughter Amanda and husband Larry, Becky Lambert (BDS), Caroyln Barr (Fiscal), Eddie James’ wife Lori, sons Evan, Ian, Owen, daughter Alyssa, and poodles Tux and Ty,  Julie Van Scotter’s friend Kristin Guidry, Leu Anne Greco (Legal) and her husband Cyrus, Pattie Pipes (SEC) and her main squeeze Jay Via (who joined in via - no pun intended - skype from Texas), Sandy Granata (Undersecretary), Ms. Cookie from the Capital Annex security team, and Katherine St. Onge (SEC), who arrived to play but somehow ended up in the stands next to the Corona punch.

GRANATA’S CORONA PUNCH
·         1 Corona Beer
·         1 Can of Sprite
·         1 Large Frozen Limeaid
·         1/3 cup Tequila
·         Sliced Lime (optional)
Mix together, add ice.  This makes a pitcher, can be increased for a crowd!

GRECO’S TRAIL MIX
·         Honey Cashews
·         Salted Roasted Almonds
·         Sesame Sticks
·         Dates
·         Dried Cranberries
·         Dried Mangos
·         Pretzels
Combine two cups of each ingredient, mix well and enjoy!

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