“The first game was dreadful – the second looked like real softball!”
“We knew it would be tough against such an experienced team. We would’ve had to repeat our performance from last week’s game against Neunkirchen exactly to come home with anything to show for it. The fact that we couldn’t do that – especially in the first game – makes it hurt even more,” was the clear conclusion after the double header in Krefeld.
The short-notice absence of one of the starting pitchers certainly didn’t help, but it’s no excuse.
“If I said it didn’t affect us, I’d be lying. But we had six girls with us who can pitch – so we’re not looking for excuses,” emphasized Head Coach Frank Mohr. “Anyone who knows us knows we don’t sugarcoat anything. Defeats are part of the process – sometimes even more important than victories.”
One bright spot in both games: the pitching.
“The pitching was strong in both games, and that’s something we can build on,” said Mohr. One player stood out in particular—Karen: “When I look at the calmness she brings into the game—it was impressive once again today. Two clean innings, completely composed. We’re going to have a lot of fun watching her grow.”
But overall, Game 1 was a disaster from the Senators’ perspective. Neither defense nor offense showed up.
“We were pretty much non-existent. It felt like the softball basics were encrypted, and no one had the code. One step too slow, throws not accurate, poor decisions at the plate.”
After just two innings, the team was already trailing by an insurmountable margin.
Mohr added:
“Sometimes you’re just speechless as a coach and wonder what else you can do to turn a game around.”
And although the game was all but lost, Assistant Coach Patrick Mohr seemed to find the right words in the final inning. Suddenly, the Senators showed their true face: solid hits on offense and spectacular plays on defense – a desperately needed sign of life.
“What makes me proud: we never hang our heads. We lift each other up, we motivate instead of tearing each other down after mistakes,” said one player after the game.
Game 2: A different team
Said team spirit may have been the key to the clearly improved performance in the second game. More hits, fewer errors than the opponent, solid pitching, and a rock-solid defense – yet it still wasn’t quite enough for the win.
“In Game 2, we weren’t playing for the result – we went in without big expectations. The girls knew that. Sure, everyone likes to win, but our focus is on growing as a team. And right now, we’re doing a fantastic job of that,” Frank Mohr emphasized.
Not only are new pitchers getting their chances, but other positions are also being rotated. The goal: to start building the team of the future now.
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Conclusion:
The second game almost made us forget the bitter defeat. It showed the potential and team unity this squad possesses. We grow with every challenge – sometimes even more through defeat than through victory.
A big compliment to the Krefeld Crows for two fully deserved wins on the day.
But: We’ll see each other again in Düsseldorf – and then, from our side, the mission is clear:
Even the series.
