There is more to sports than winning and losing. Of course the successful aspect of the game is nice, but a greater reward comes out of being a part of a team–from strong relationships to the memories that will last a lifetime.

The varsity softball team competed at the San Marcos Spring Invitational tournament March 9-10. The team used their down time to participate in team bonding activities together in preparation for district.

“I think the tournament happened at the right point in our season,” head coach Meredith Grant said. “That time was crucial for us to have together and to kind of get away from Lindale and get outside the box.”

The team won their pool by point differential on the first day of the tournament. They competed against new teams, including Lubbock Cooper, Bastrop and Victoria St Joseph. Their success put them in good standing for bracket play.

“We played competition that we haven’t seen before,” senior Michaela Walker said. “They didn’t know who Lindale is, so it gave us a chance to put our name out there.”

Because district is starting, Grant wanted to put the girls out of their comfort zones to prepare them and to help them mesh together.  The players participated in an escape room where they had to work together and solve riddles to get out of three locked rooms.  They also spent three nights together in a hotel, watched movies and ate dinner as a team.

“With the activities we did, the tournament helped us bond closer together,” senior Mallory Welvaert said. “It was good to be in close proximity with them to be able to grow and become more like a family.”

Before the girls were able to start their bracket games, the remainder of the tournament was cancelled due to rain. The team ate one last breakfast together in San Marcos and travelled back home March 11.

“I enjoyed the San Marcos tournament this year because it brought me so much closer to my teammates,” sophomore Jodi DeHart said. “Those memories and friendships will last forever.”