The battle of the two schools in Norwalk is always a big deal for each sport. Each high school getting ready to battle for who is the “better” school in Norwalk. While this seems intense, some fail to realize that games like this actually bring the town closer together.
Softball started a wholesome tradition last year where they invite all of the youth softball programs to join them before the game as a look into their future. During this, they invite all of the youth to join them McMahon and Norwalk players in their positions where they can introduce themselves and bond with the older girls. The softball team takes pride in the fact that the majority of them are overly involved with the youth throughout the year doing clinics and programs as counselors to share their knowledge and help those girls improve and get better before their spring seasons. One new element added this year, was a chance for a youth player to win the opportunity to throw out the first pitch. This was also a way for the Norwalk softball team to contribute to raising money for PGP. Emma Manuli was the winner of the first pitch this year, featured in images in the gallery. After the ceremony on the field, a huge group picture is taken and then the younger players typically like to stay to support the Bears or Senators, depending on their future school, and cheer on the girls they look up to for the game.
The ceremony gives all of the high school players a warm feeling before the game, knowing that for some who have played since they were as young as those girls, they are making their younger selves proud. Norwalk opened the scoring in the first inning after Zoey Wilds singled, scoring two runs. Maddie Collins struck out 13 batters, allowing only three hits and zero runs over seven innings. The final score of the game was Norwalk 3, McMahon 0. This win carried on the tradition of an 11th rival game win streak for the Bears over the Senators since 2013.
