Two games, two wins and a clear statement to open the season.
The Senators’ softball team started the new season with great energy and joy for the game, returning to the state capital with a double victory from Cologne. Against the league newcomers, Düsseldorf secured wins of 25–7 and 11–5, even though the intensity of the games was closer than the scores suggest.
From the very beginning, it was clear that this team was ready. In the first game, an offensive fireworks display developed early on. Hard hits, aggressive baserunning, and a strong presence kept constant pressure on the opponent. Inning by inning, the lead grew, driven by a cohesive team performance and visible enjoyment of the game.
The Senators also remained in control in the second game. Cologne put up more resistance at times, but Düsseldorf consistently found answers—calm, focused, and confident in their own strength.
“We hit extremely well against strong pitching and were very solid defensively with only one error. If, as a coach, you only need a single defensive conference in two games, it shows that this team did a lot of things right,” was the unanimous opinion of the coaching staff.
At no point were the two victories in danger, yet the Senators had to work for every advantage. This combination of control and intensity made the season opener especially valuable. Both games also provided the opportunity to utilize the depth of the roster. All 16 players who took the field contributed—an indication of the team’s balance and tactical flexibility.
“We achieved two important wins against a highly motivated team from Cologne, and we had to work hard for them. The results don’t fully reflect how intense and demanding both games were. We won’t be misled by that. We are certain this team will make significant progress in the coming weeks. When we meet again, we must not rely on what we have achieved so far.”
With a roster of 24 players, the Senators enter this season with the clear goal of combining development and competition. The younger players in particular are encouraging. Progress is visible, and the energy is tangible.
Finally, we wish all injured players a speedy and full recovery and extend our best wishes to the Cologne Cardinals for their upcoming games.
