Gallery • 15 Photos

Stella Rich '29

Annika Slootmaker (12), Avery Smith (12), and Charlotte Thase (12) pose behind their numbers that were spraypainted onto the field as part of their senior night celebration on April 29. The girls won against Radnor 10-0.

As the bang of ball hitting bat sounded from home plate, JV and varsity players alike shouted and cheered throughout Haven’s 10-0 victory over Radnor, now 1-14, on April 29. The achievement was especially significant because of the senior recognition that took place throughout the game.

The team’s seniors have had an unprecedented season, and their senior night win only kept that streak alive. The girls were honored with posters, spray painted numbers on the field, and notes from their teammates before the game started. 

“I was very happy with how our senior night went, because you can’t do much better than a 10-nothing win,” senior Charlotte Thase said. 

Since the team had already defeated Radnor 16-3 on April 6, the most important thing was consistency. 

“I thought we did a really good job of staying focused and making sure we secured the win,” Thase said. “That’s the mindset we need to have going into games like that, ones [where] we’ve already beat the team earlier in the season and just need to make sure we come in and do our job.”

The team’s past experience with Radnor also helped to take some of the pressure off of the game and allow them to enjoy the night.

“I think something that we did really well this game was honestly just have fun,” sophomore Madison Grafton said. “We wanted to go all out for [our seniors].”

The team has a total of 20 games this season in addition to practices and team dinners, which are geared towards building bonds.

“I think that what I’m going to miss most about the team is getting to laugh and joke and talk with everyone, in the dugout, on the bus, during pasta dinners, or just any time where we’re all together,” Thase said. 

 The seniors’ leadership and dependability have been an integral part of the culture, according to teammates.

“I believe that they all just contribute very well to the team,” Grafton said. “Not only am I going to miss their athletic performance, they’re just all great people. They’re all very welcoming, and whenever you need someone to pick you up, one of those three are always there.”

Senior Annika Slootmaker agrees with Thase. Athletes value the relationships they got from the sport, from traditions on the field to talks on the bus. 

“I’m going to miss the community we have here,” Slootmaker said. “It’s always been so fun.” 

On April 30, the girls secured a win against Harriton, making their record 12-4. They take on Springfield at home on May 4.