“More than just games – a journey that changed us.”

There are seasons in which wins are counted. And there are seasons in which you grow – as a team, as a person, as a community.

2025 was the latter.

A journey full of emotion, hard work, laughter, doubt, and small miracles between the bases.

When we began our preseason together in the spring, there was this feeling:
We wanted to build something. Not just a team, but trust.
Every practice was more than technique and progress – it was connection.

Connection with ourselves, with others, with the game that unites us.

Over the course of the season, we learned that success isn’t only found on the scoreboard.
It shows itself in the moments when someone smiles after a strikeout and keeps going.
When someone who once hesitated to raise their voice suddenly calls the out that ends the inning.
When the bench erupts in cheers as if it were the final of the German Championship.

We won games no one expected us to win, and we lost games that hurt.
But there was strength in both. Because every game brought us closer together.

Whether in Düsseldorf, Neunkirchen, or under the summer heat in Aachen – we didn’t just play softball.
We lived softball together.

A true highlight of the season was our “Pink Against Racism” event.

Pink jerseys, smiling faces, a field full of energy.

A day that showed that softball is more than a sport – it’s a language of peace, respect, and unity.

That was bigger than a game.

But even beyond the big moments, there were countless small stories.

Players celebrating their first hits. Pitchers showing nerves of steel.

Moments when we carried one another – on days when life felt heavier than the ball itself.

And again and again, that quiet feeling: We’ve got this. Together.

What remains is more than a record.

It’s the awareness that every person matters.
That growth takes time.
That joy is contagious.
And that a team grows when it shows up for one another.

When you look out onto the field at the end of the season, after the final game, the sun slowly setting behind the backstop, and you hear the voices, the laughter, the fatigue – you know:

This was real.
This was our year.

Thank you to everyone who made this season possible:

Players, coaches, parents, friends, and supporters.

You turned this season into more than just a series of games.
You made it a story full of heart.

Passion instead of runs

We had set ourselves big goals for the last two games in Neunkirchen – and we knew how demanding they would be. With only ten players, not all of them fully fit, we faced a young, strong, and highly motivated team.

All the more impressive was the fight our girls put up, which has left me deeply moved and proud: If anyone wants to understand the meaning of team sport, they shouldn’t ask the internet — they should simply come to one of our games. This team, that holds together so strongly and grows beyond itself especially when trailing, is incomparable. As much as the defeats hurt — what this group showed is priceless.

Perhaps it is also a sign of the respect we have now earned that opponents do not hesitate to bring in Bundesliga experience when they face us. For us, that is not a disappointment, but rather an honor: we are taken seriously.

With the new game format, we played around twelve more innings than in the previous season — a gain for our development, but also a personal challenge for each individual. Everyone has learned to push beyond their limits, endure setbacks, and still function as a team. With a record of 13 wins to 11 losses, we now head into the offseason. Considering everything we experimented with during the season, that is more than remarkable.

But the record and the standings only tell half the story: This year we played the best softball we’ve ever played. Games at the highest level, showing how much heart, passion, and quality are in this team. Every single player has developed — in the field, at bat, or in her role on the team. Many took on responsibilities they never would have imagined at the start of the season, laying the foundation for us to be broader and stronger as a squad.

Nine wins in a row also showed what this team is capable of when focused and united. Softball in Düsseldorf now has a clear perspective. We are especially proud of our six players under the age of 15, whom we can now carefully develop step by step. For us, this means responsibility not only in sport but also as people: to be role models, to give support, and to create spaces where young players can grow.

We look ahead with great anticipation to the winter season and the challenges to come — with a team that has my heart. Special thanks go to the entire Senators Ladies team, who worked tirelessly both on and off the field. Without your dedication, your support, and your belief in this team, much would not have been possible.

And of course, we warmly congratulate Neunkirchen on winning the Landesliga championship — a strong opponent and a well-deserved titleholder.

SPLIT AGAINST THE LEAGUE LEADERS

Cold and rainy weather marked the beginning of the final home game day of the season at Südallee in Benrath. The guests were the Krefeld Crows, league leaders and known for their error-free play and powerful offensive actions. An opponent the coaches of the Düsseldorf Senators held in high regard.

“For us, it was mainly about continuing the impressive season so far,” explained Head Coach Frank Mohr before the game. “We have experimented a lot, tested new players and positions. Of course, it’s tempting to reach for more when you see how well we’re playing. But our focus is on the development of our young players. They are our future, and we want to approach this development with care.”

In the first game, Lina Schwippert took on the responsibility in the pitcher’s circle – and did so impressively. With 11 strikeouts, she kept the Crows’ offense in check. The Senators’ offense was also in great form, collecting a total of 14 hits. In the end, it was a well-deserved 8–3 victory for the hosts.

“It was more exciting than the score might suggest,” the coaches said after the game. “We had to make a number of adjustments, many players were not fully fit. Having Lina in the circle for the first game was a huge help.”

After a short break, it was time for the second game of the doubleheader – and with it, the chance to take sole possession of first place in the standings. But in the first three innings, the Senators struggled both offensively and defensively. The Crows, unfazed by their opening defeat, quickly built a clear 10–1 lead.

“I have to admit that we were shaken up quite a bit and too often just watched the balls go by,” said Head Coach Mohr. Still, the Senators fought back in the final two innings, repeatedly putting runners in scoring position and even loading the bases. But too often, the decisive hit was missing. Defensively as well, small mistakes crept in: throws were just a tick too long or too short, and even balls that seemed safely caught slipped out of the glove and fell to the ground.

So in the end, it remained a 6–15 defeat against the strong-performing visitors.

At the end of the day, the split against the league leaders was another sign of how far the Senators have come this season. Between a spirit of new beginnings, the development of young players, and the ambition to keep up with the very best, the final home game day was a fitting snapshot of this special season.

“We still have four games left, and it’s already clear that for the first time, we’ll finish the season with a positive record. I’m especially happy about that for the girls.”

Next Saturday already brings the next matchup against the Jülich Duchess. The impressive streak of four wins in four games should give the team confidence, but the coaches warn against drawing premature conclusions:

“All the games against Jülich have been exciting and high-class. Nothing is decided yet. We’re really looking forward to this final duel of the season – by Saturday night, we’ll know more.”

Senators Ladies Leave No Doubt

This past Sunday, the Ladies of the Düsseldorf Senators faced the Jülich Duchess for the second time within just a few weeks. The previous matchups had already been intense and high-level – so anticipation for the rematch was high. And the expectations were met: a large crowd witnessed two fast-paced softball games full of excitement, effort, and joy. In the end, the Senators came away with two well-earned wins: 9:5 and 9:3.

Despite their earlier victories, the Senators approached the games with full focus. “Jülich is a great team, very strong at the plate,” said Head Coach Frank Mohr. “We expected good pitching on both sides – it was softball on equal footing.”

The coaching staff had rightly warned of the Duchess’ offensive power beforehand, and once again, the guests made it anything but easy for the home team.

What made the difference in the end was reliable pitching and smart decision-making in key moments. Starting pitcher Katja once again delivered a strong performance, throwing her fourth complete game of the season – a showing that played a crucial role in securing the first win.

“We have complete trust in Katja. Week after week, she proves what she’s capable of when everything around her is just right,” said Mohr.

The fact that it became exciting again in the fifth inning at 9:2 was not due to Katja, but to a few mistakes in defense. Katja closed the game herself with a rare unassisted double play, a strong statement to end the match. 

After a 30-minute break, game two began.

With 16 players available, the Senators benefited from a deep and flexible roster, allowing the coaching staff to make situational changes without sacrificing quality. Every player contributed – on defense, as base coaches, or providing energy from the dugout.

Karen and Olivia took over pitching duties to start game two and set the tone defensively, allowing only three runs between them. In the third inning, Lina Schwippert, a U22 national team pitcher, entered the circle with a 7:3 lead. She didn’t allow another run and gave up only one base hit.

“Her talent is undeniable. Having Lina on our team is hugely valuable for both our development and the visibility of the sport in Düsseldorf,” said Mohr.

“We wanted to give her the opportunity to shine – and with seven strikeouts, I think she did just that.”

Mohr continued:

“Whenever we talk about pitchers, we must never forget the catchers – without them, even the best pitching means nothing. A big thank you goes to Dana, who gave all our pitchers confidence and brought calm and stability to our defense.”

Offensively, the Senators were just as committed: plate discipline, well-placed hits, and aggressive baserunning kept the pressure on in both games. In key moments, the team stayed composed and took advantage of defensive mistakes from the Duchess.

“We were able to use everything that makes softball such a special game,” the coaches summed up. “Aggressive plays, situational hitting, and a united team performance – this was softball in all its depth.”

Despite the two losses, the Senators showed great respect for their opponents: “Jülich is a great, committed team that plays with a lot of heart,” added Mohr. “We’re already looking forward to the rematch in Jülich – those will be two exciting games again.”

The Senators continue to prove that dedication to growth and development is the true foundation of athletic success.

Pitch by Pitch Against Discrimination

For the first time, a team from the Düsseldorf Senators took the field not in their usual maroon, but in pink jerseys.
Just like the weather – with over 32 °C, one of the hottest days of the year so far – the ladies shone in the bright color of silent protest. A statement of solidarity with all those who experience discrimination and exclusion in any form.

“It is very important to us, especially in these chaotic times, to take a clear stand – and to wear the ‘Pink Against Racism’ logo in addition to our club emblem,” the coaches stated in unison.

“A huge thank you to Druckhaus Boeken. Without you, this project wouldn’t have been possible.”

This day also marked the return of Lina Schwippert, who will support the softball team until September. The left-handed pitcher, who has worn the Senators’ jersey for four years, is also playing this season – thanks to dual registration – for reigning champions Wesseling Vermins and the German national team.

“We are incredibly proud and happy that Lina returns to Düsseldorf every year to support her hometown and our team. Her positive energy especially inspires our younger players – Lina is a true role model for them.”

Game 1 – Determination, Heat, Heart

Despite the prominent addition, the coaches stuck to their strategy.

There was no reason to change anything, so they went into the game with the same team that had performed strongly in every match so far.

“We need stability. And we get that when we can field our well-practiced team week after week. We’re fortunate to be in that position.”

Katja started as pitcher, and even before the first pitch it was clear: today, they were up against two opponents – the Neunkirchen softball team and the heat.

“We had five pitchers we could have used. Knowing that takes pressure off me as a coach – and takes a load off the players’ shoulders. Today was also about managing energy wisely.”

A strategy that seemed to work.

After two innings and a solid 10:4 lead, Katja handed the ball to Lina.

“Our pitching was excellent. Offensively, we stayed determined but patient. We looked for our chances – and took them. Sure, a few fewer errors on defense would’ve been nice, but that’s how it goes sometimes. The final score of 13:6 is absolutely fair.”

Game 2 – Security, Playing Time, Support

In the second game, Lina took over as the starting pitcher.

“It was about two things,” the head coach explained the decision. “Getting a solid start to keep the defensive innings short – and giving Lina some playing time.”

Two clean innings with six strikeouts spoke for themselves.

With the Senators leading 4–1, Olivia took the mound – and once again showed her growing form.

“It’s just amazing to see how she’s blossoming in this team, gaining more and more confidence. She’s unconditionally supported by everyone – and that’s what makes us so strong.”

But the defense couldn’t get Olivia out of the inning. With the score now 6–4 in favor of the Nightmares, the coaches had to take her out with two outs.

“It speaks volumes when Olivia walks back to the dugout to applause from the whole team. That’s exactly the kind of moment we want to see.”

Katja took over and kept the game alive – but the heat was beginning to take its toll.

By the fourth inning, time had expired and the Senators were trailing by six runs.

“To be honest, I didn’t think we’d turn it around,” admitted the head coach.

“But then – bases loaded, no outs – and I hear Kiki is on third as the winning run. That’s when I knew we could do it.”

And the team did it: Melisa, back on the field after a long break, delivered the decisive walk-off with a hit into right field.

“You could tell how exhausted we all were by the way that hit wasn’t celebrated like usual – it was received more with gratitude. We’re incredibly proud of the girls and give huge respect to the young Nightmares team as well.”

“That we didn’t celebrate wildly after such a hard-fought game – where everyone was running on their last reserves – is also a sign of respect for the opponent.”

A big thank you goes out to all the fans who supported, cheered, and carried us through this scorcher of a day.

Also, a huge shoutout to our umpires and scorers – without you, a day like this wouldn’t be possible. Your calm, focus, and dedication make it possible for us to do what we love out on the field.

Thank you for being part of it.

Senators Defeat Jülich in Both Games

The Jülich Duchess, though previously unknown, proved to be a formidable opponent for the Düsseldorf Senators. Aggressive at the plate, solid on defense, and equipped with strong pitching, the Duchess challenged the home team from the first pitch.

“There are no easy games in this league,” Head Coach Frank Mohr emphasized.

In the circle, Katja once again demonstrated her current strength, delivering her second consecutive complete game. Three hits allowed, one walk, and no earned runs – an impressive stat line.

“This is the result of hard work and a defense that operates as a unified unit,” said the coach after the game.

“Knowing that my catcher is behind me when a pitch doesn’t land perfectly gives me so much confidence – and you can feel that throughout the entire team,” the starter said, visibly pleased after another strong performance.

The Senators also shined offensively: 17 hits and an 11-run inning in the second frame led to a dominant and never-in-doubt 16–1 victory over a strong-performing Jülich team.

Game 2: Team Effort Turns the Tide

In game two of the day, Karen once again took the circle and picked up right where she left off. After two steady innings, she handed the ball over to Olivia, the youngest player on the team.

“Karen consistently gives us two strong innings – her confidence is growing week by week,” said the coaching staff. “And Olivia is developing steadily. That she pitched a full inning in this game probably only sank in later.”

Coach Mohr also made a point to share a broader perspective on the role of pitchers:

“There’s often the impression that pitchers have to dominate a game on their own – especially influenced by the image of college softball. Our philosophy is different: the pitcher’s job is to keep the game close so that the offense has the chance to produce runs. That takes pressure off and builds trust throughout the entire roster.”

After three innings, Jülich held a 6–2 lead — a deserved advantage built on effective offense and solid defense with minimal errors.

But the Senators didn’t back down.

“We left some good opportunities unused in the early innings,” said Mohr. “But in the fourth, we were ready to go for it.”

Trailing 4–6, the coaching staff made strategic adjustments and turned up the pressure.

“Laura’s line drive was a really solid hit,” recalled Assistant Coach Patrick Mohr. “Unfortunately, it went straight into the pitcher’s glove — first out. But then came five consecutive hits, followed by a smartly executed RBI groundout by Johanne, which gave us the lead.”

Now up 7–6, it was up to the closer to bring the narrow lead across the finish line. After a quick lineout and a walk, she kept her cool — two strikeouts later, she had secured her third save of the season.

Two games, two wins — a perfect start to the Senators’ home stand at Südallee.

“I was sure that eventually the breakthrough would come,” Mohr said, reflecting on the long-awaited second-game win in a doubleheader. “The fact that it happened against such a well-prepared team like Jülich makes it all the more meaningful. They played a strong game — and the lopsided result in game one shouldn’t overshadow that.”

Looking Ahead: Clash with League Leader Neunkirchen

Next Sunday, the Senators will face the current league leaders from Neunkirchen — one of the most unpredictable teams in the competition.

“If we play to our full potential and everyone is healthy, we can compete with any team in the league — including Neunkirchen,” said Mohr. “You never know exactly what lineup they’ll bring. But we’ll take it as it comes and look forward to the challenge.”

After the convincing performance last week against the Jülich Duchess, the Senators ladies had to take the momentum with them to the Ennepe-Ruhr district. The newly formed Ennepetal Raccoons team was waiting for the Düsseldorf ladies there last Saturday.

The Raccoons had to defend their almost flawless record of four wins and just one loss, and at best extend it against the Düsseldorf Senators. The team around the coaching trio Simon, Patrick and Frank naturally wanted to prevent this.

It quickly became clear during the week that this would not be an easy task: the two pitchers who had impressed in Jülich had to be left out; the pitchers who were scheduled for this game were not 100 percent fit.

So the motto was once again: make a lot out of little or nothing.

“Mathematics tells us how to do this,” said the head coach, “you can make anything out of an empty set.” Then he adds with a smile: “At least in theory.”

And in practice it finally worked. On the remaining practice days before the game, they worked hard to prepare the pitchers, who were not due to make their first appearances until the second half of the season, for a possible game scenario.

“The mechanics are good and the girls have control over their pitches. It looked very good in practice, so why not just try it.”

During the warm-up, shortly before the game, however, it didn’t look bad at all and the Senators were able to go into the game with the planned starter.

“We had agreed that the two pitchers should eat as many innings as possible and grit their teeth, but should signal to me in good time when they couldn’t go on any longer. I’d rather give away a game than have someone seriously injured.”

A good decision, as the game turned out.

As in previous games, the Senators Ladies set the tone first and gained a more than comfortable lead of 8 runs in the first three innings.

For a short time, it even looked as if the Senators would get by without a relief pitcher, but the Raccoons fought their way back into the game, which ultimately went the full distance of seven innings. In the last inning, it was finally time for the rookie in this position.

But what could go wrong with a lead of 12 runs?

“Everything,” Frank Mohr explained to us. “We have really experienced a lot. So we were warned. But the team stood behind Nina like a wall and helped her to make the necessary 3 outs.”

“I knew that even if things went wrong, the team would be fully behind me,” said Nina shortly after the game ended. “That made pitching easier for me with every throw.”

It is really impressive how the ladies have developed in this position. The coaches can now draw on a full roster, which makes them less predictable for the opponents.

We don’t want to forget the offense and the many newcomers, who all made a name for themselves with their base hits and are a great asset to this team.

“The bottom line is that you can really create anything from an empty set. During the week it looked as if we didn’t have a pitcher at all, and then we ended up with three. With this team, almost anything is possible.” Frank Mohr, visibly satisfied, concludes the day’s game. The Senators won 20:11.

SENATORS LADIES GO THE FULL DISTANCE

One weekend, two games.

Due to the bad weather conditions, many games were postponed at the start of the season or canceled at short notice. So last weekend, it was “Play Ball” twice on Benrather Südallee.

Guests: the Neunkirchen 2 and Ratingen 2 teams.

“Let’s not be confused by the 2 after the team name,” explained Frank Mohr. “Of course, these are junior teams in which the young talents from Neunkirchen and Ratingen in particular should gain match practice, but they are always filled up with players from the first team.”

“Which is perfectly fine,” Mohr continued. “This gives us the opportunity to play against strong teams and see where we stand. Nevertheless, second teams are always a kind of surprise package. You never know exactly who you are playing against.”

First and foremost, we were happy to finally be able to get back into the action, because the breaks were too long and the games too irregular. Practice could only take place sporadically or in the gym due to the weather.

“We haven’t been able to find a real rhythm yet and are basically starting from scratch.”

As if to prove the coach wrong, the ladies got off to a flying start and gained a comfortable lead in the first three innings.

Minimize weak periods

“We now start the games concentrated and are wide awake from the first second – something we missed in the past. But then we are happy to allow ourselves a weak period in the middle of the game. That is something we will work on.”

Frank Mohr does not want this to be understood as negative criticism, because:

“The girls have been on the field for over 6.5 hours in the last 24 hours and have really thrown everything into it. Maintaining concentration the whole time is virtually impossible. We played with an almost identical team against two great opponents whose first teams are not playing in the Softball Bundesliga for nothing.”

Both games went the full 7 innings and were only decided in the last inning.

“It was a déjà vu when we went into the 7th inning against the Goose Necks. Once again we had our backs against the wall and I just thought, hopefully the girls will reward themselves for their efforts.”

The day before, it hadn’t quite been enough against Neunkirchen and they lost a hard-fought game by just one run (20:21).

But things didn’t look good at first, as they went into the decisive inning with a deficit of 3 runs, which would have only equalized the score.

“This team never ceases to amaze us. Giving up is not an option for our ladies.”

We’re talking about the enormous comeback qualities that make them dangerous right up to the end. And so the bases were loaded step by step; a walk brought the first run across home plate. 3 more runs and the walk off would be perfect.

“You didn’t really dare to believe it anymore. We already had two outs when it was the next batter’s turn. But the girls just keep playing, they don’t worry. Not even when the count is 2-2.”

2 Out when winning run scored

“I have to say, we hadn’t had much of any use on the bat up to that point, and some of our base hits were rather lucky, but the next pitch was hit really hard.”

The line drive flew to the edge of the field for a 3 run triple, leaving the Senators as the winners of an exciting game. And so the moment belonged to the players alone, who all stormed onto the field towards third base to celebrate the walk off.

“The girls really deserved it. It would have broken my heart to see them leave the field as losers again in a hard-fought game.”

In the end, the score was 18:17 for the Düsseldorf Senators against a strong team from Ratingen, whom we would like to thank for a fair game on equal terms. Our thanks also go to the team from Neunkirchen.

The ladies now have to pack their suitcases for the next four weeks, because the Jülich Duchess, Ennepetal Raccoons, Neunkirchen Nightmares and the Yaks from Verl/Gütersloh are waiting on the route.

A PIECE OF WORK

After the thoroughly satisfactory start to the season against the team from Verl/Gütersloh a good two weeks ago, the ladies of the Düsseldorf Senators traveled to the Greyhounds in Aachen for their first game on May 11, 2024.

They traveled to the Brandner Wall with an extremely thin staff, although some of them probably still remembered the game from last season. At that time, the ladies of the Senators suffered a severe defeat.

“That took a toll on us and, at least for me, it still resonates loudly,” Frank Mohr told us shortly before the game. “How we presented ourselves there could hardly be put into words.”

With three newcomers and a few ailing players, everything had to come together that day to take a win back to Düsseldorf. It was clear to everyone that this would not be easy against the Greyhounds, who were getting stronger from year to year. But the fact that things got so bumpy in the end surprised most of those involved.

“We are now masters of improvisation,” continued the head coach, “but we would also like to sit back and relax a little more.”

Lina Schwippert, who has been playing softball for Limestone University in South Carolina for a year, returned to the position of starting pitcher.

“Seeing Lina in the circle is a real pleasure,” enthuses the coach.

And it was actually the left-handed pitcher who got the Senators on the road to victory and never let them go.

In addition to her 10 strikeouts as a pitcher, she contributed another 6 RBI on offense, impressively demonstrating her class and providing the team with solid support.

However, what sounds like a straightforward matter ended up being more arduous than expected.

The ladies made some inexplicable mistakes and thus brought the opponent, who they had under control for long stretches, back into the game. The relief pitcher’s deployment didn’t even last a whole inning before the head coach had to pull the emergency brake.

“It literally broke my heart when I had to take our pitcher out of the game after such a short time,” explains Frank Mohr. “But first and foremost it was about protecting her. We made too many mistakes and couldn’t help her get out of the inning. 6 runs, all unearned, I think says it all. I thought about the game exactly a year ago when we got into a similar situation – and ended up losing.”

Lina Schwippert quickly returned to the circle and ended the game in a convincing manner, securing the Senators their first win of the young season.

“I’m not trying to find an explanation for this performance,” said Frank Mohr after the game. “There are days when not much fits together and you should quickly forget about them. Today was such a day. It was a piece of work. Not more but also not less.”

However, a big compliment goes to the newcomers to the team, who have shown that they will be a real reinforcement in the future.

“The result of 26:11 is also okay in the end. We made the most of the opportunities that were presented to us and left no doubt that we wanted to win this game. Things are going very well on offense; The defense is still a little lacking in coordination and clarity. A circumstance that will improve from game to game.”

And it has to, because the ladies’ next opponents on May 26th, 2024 are the Krefeld Crows, who lead the Division of the Softball Landesliga together with the Verl/Gütersloh Yaks.