It was an innocent Sunday afternoon; the air was crisp, clean and under control. The Lights were fresh off a superb outing and came into this game thinking that it would just be like any other ordinary doubleheader – 4 straight hours of intense sun-bathing with interludes of hard play and cheering, but inevitably end in physical and spiritual drainage.
But nobody would be prepared for the sequence of events that were about to unfold on this fateful summer day.
The first obstacle was the Paladins. Having just played a game earlier in the afternoon, it was assumed that they would be tired. Little did we know, their first game was merely a warm up for the thrashing that would follow. The Lights could not seem to dent the armored defense of the Paladins. Though the pace of the entire game was dictated by the opposition, there was one inning that belonged to us. Like rays of light our hits seethed through the few openings in their clouded defense, and we were able to squeeze out one mercy inning in the top of the 3rd. But by the time the game ended, we were the one’s crying mercy. Our offensive output seemed to invigorate the other team and as a result, they turned up their play and essentially shut us down. We finished the game only scoring 9 points (you do the math). Though the Lights struggled on offense, the outcome of the game is more a testament to the Paladin’s outstanding defense.
Immediately following the game, the Lights had a special devotion involving both the Paladins and the team we were to face next, the Lions. Joyce, the Lights all-star head-governess had graciously prepared a fitting message. Though there are many unwanted detours that we will face along the road of life, God has specially prepared each one, just enough for us to handle, as trials that require and build up perseverance. The bible promises that these trials enable God to shape our character and when we do curve back and head down the straight path, we come out anew with greater maturity and a better understanding of our purpose. The devotion seemed to be an omen for the upcoming game, for a curve ball was about to be thrown and it was aimed straight at the Lights.
The Lights started off the next game firing, scoring 7 runs in the first inning. The Lions, not to be fazed by the blazing start responded with a barrage of hits and runs. The game teetered throughout, like an ultimate chess match, each team making their moves but no team giving up an inch. After scoring 3 runs in the top of the 8th to tie the game, it was up to the Lights to stand strong and hold the mighty bats of the Lions. After an inspiring pep talk by Syd, the Lights head coach, the team held their ground and did not flicker at the gust of adversity and delivered in the clutch. Their suffocating defense recorded the first 3-up-3-down inning in their most important inning this year.
Though it would have been an appropriate conclusion to a hard fought battle on both sides – there are no ties in baseball. Extra innings was into effect and it was now time for the Lights to step up to the plate. After amazing hits and smart base-running by Jay and Rebs, the Lights were able to squeeze out 2 runs – but would that be enough?
A defensive effort similar to the previous inning would have to be repeated to close out the deal. After a quick out at first, a Lion’s batter crushed a ball deep into right and out of the reach of our outfield. They had scored one run. The next hit was a hard liner in the right field gap, and with the fate of the game resting on the fluttering ball, Syd comes running halfway out of nowhere to snag the fly ball and save the game. Two down – one more to go. After a series of infield hits, the Lions managed to load the bases. As the next batter approached the plate, tensions were mounting on both sides, and everybody was on their feet knowing that the outcome of the game would be decided in the next few seconds…the pitch – the swing – the…out? The game ended on an illegal lead off at third. Not to be easily shaken, the Lions were gracious in defeat. And thus concluded, as Andrew Tam, Lights Superfan remarked “the best RHCBC game ever played.”
It is difficult to single out any one player for this game, for we needed every one of the 22 runs to win. From Bi’s flawless catching to Louis’ timely hits, everybody on the team had contributed to the positive spirit and play of the game. The Lights were cheered on by representatives from the Slingers, Dunamis and Apostles who came out to support the team. Also due to their attendance, at the conclusion of the game the first live performance of the church cheer with BOTH the fans and players was performed! After the energizing display the two teams embraced each other and exchanged compliments filled with praise – for we all knew that we had partook in something special. There were no bitter faces, for though one emerged on top in terms of points, both teams were satisfied with their play – on and off the field. This is one game that will forever link the Lions and Lights in years to come. This rivalry may last into the ages, but for this brief moment in time it was the Lights day to shine. Lights 1 – Lions 0…for now.
Though we were down we got up. Though we had suffered a tough loss we continued fighting. Instead of shying away from the contact we fought hard and hit the curve ball out of the park. As a team we marched forward and persevered and, as promised, came out of the game as a more mature and unified team.
“Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
- James 1:4
much needed prayer time before the game.
team cheer to start off the game.
creating light with the lions.
devo time - perservering through obstacles.
lions, paladins and lights at devo time.
our new assistant michelle hard at work every inning, changing the board.
happy birthday joyce!
