By Jack Weaver ’15 | Staff Writer

After a disappointing nine-win season and an early exit in the playoffs to crosstown rival North, it was evident that a drastic turnaround had to be made for the girls varsity Softball team. The turnaround would come when Coach Bill Fleming would be hired and the 2013 season was put in the past.

“I attribute our success to the head coach change,” said Christy Tech ’14. “Coach Fleming came in with a whole new attitude of what he wanted and expected, and it definitely set a different vibe.”

His work ethic and positive attitude would only add fuel to the fire for a softball team that simply was looking for a fresh start. It was evident the Lady Blue Devils’ turnaround was going to be much greater than anyone expected when they had already surpassed last year’s win total within the first 10 games, starting an impressive 10-0.

“I think the fact we only lost two seniors, and in our first nine games we won as many games as we did last season as a whole, is really a testament to how much harder we worked to make this season better than the last,” said Megan Fleming ‘14.

The girls’ streak would continue to grow, and at its’ peak would reach a total of 21 straight wins. No one expected them to go on such a streak, but even so, the team was focused on bigger and better accomplishments, even before their remarkable season began.

“In the beginning of the season we set three goals and winning the MAC Gold conference championship was one of them,” said Megan Fleming. “And now the fact that we’ve done that, just goes to show that if we put our minds to something we can accomplish it.”

The opportunity to capture the program’s first ever conference championship would come in the second to last game of the season versus a tough Port Huron team. Despite the challenge, South would come out with a high-octane offense, outscoring Port Huron 10-3 in the first four innings, and would continue to dominate for the entire game.

“Our girls had something to prove and they wanted to win a league championship, which has never been done by softball at South before,” said Coach Bill Fleming. “And they played really well like they have all season and they played together as a team, and that made the difference.”

“It’s been awesome playing on such a great team,” said Katie Kish ’15. “People are finally starting to take us seriously.”

It would only take sixth innings to crown the first-time conference champions, as the girls’ would go on to mercy Port Huron 16-6. After the game, players were thrilled at accomplishing what they had worked so hard to achieve, yet the credit was never placed on one player.

When asked to what one word could sum up this team and its’ accomplishment, Kish simply said “together”.

“I’d say “together” because we win together or lose together,” said Kish. “We have great team chemistry which is another reason why we’ve been so successful.”

Coach Bill Fleming and the girls’ have built a historical team around fundamental teamwork, and the perfect test will be awaiting them in the first round of the playoffs; the Grosse Pointe North Norsemen. The opportunity to play the team that quickly ended their season last year, will be a chance to show just how much they have grown as a over the past year.

“Being apart of a team that’s making history, especially with my dad as the coach as my last season playing softball, means the world to me,” said Megan Fleming.