The South Tama softball team warmed up with some special guests on Wednesday, July 1. After being recognized prior to the varsity game the youth league cheered on the team in the dugout. The Trojans have had a challenging season but continue to keep their heads up as they band together before the first pitch of the game. Photo Provided by Darvin Graham

The South Tama Trojans softball team has had a busy week of games starting with a tournament on Friday, June 26.

It’s been no secret the Trojans have had a tough season as they are currently 1-29. But there are times when losing builds more character than winning. What the Trojans are proving is that they have character. And while even though they are not winning they continue to go out each game and find something to smile about.

In tournament action on Friday, June 26 and Saturday, June 29 at MCC the Trojans fell to Marion (L 0-12), Bondurant-Farrar (L 6-11), Marshalltown (L 0-13) and BCLUW (L 0-12).

Next up for the Trojans was a trip to Williamsburg for a WaMaC west conference double header. STC lost game one 3-13 and game two 2-14.

Tuesday June 30 had the Trojans on the road again, this time to Center Point-Urbana for a make-up conference double header. STC fell 0-12 in game one and 0-16 in game two. One note is that the Pointers are feature freshman Maddie Karr who is currently ranked second in the state with 16 homeruns. She’s a heavy hitter and with three more years of high school eligibility she will be one to watch. Karr hit a homerun in each game against the Trojans on Tuesday.

South Tama softball celebrates Senior Night on Tuesday, July 7. Julie Wise, Naomi Hoskey and Catie Collins stand with their parents after receiving gifts from the team. News Herald Photo/Allison Graham

The Trojans were finally back home on Wednesday evening for a non-conference game against Grundy Center. It was a very rocky start for the Lady Trojans. Julie Wise was at the mound for STC. The Spartans really got their bats swinging early and jumped out to a 6-0 lead in the first inning. They added to that lead in the bottom of the third.

But low and behold the Trojans fought back. Things began to unravel for the Spartan defense, which was fortunate for the Trojans who are a team that relies on speed and base running to score runs. Maybe it was the sheer will of the Trojans, maybe it was divine intervention but slowly and surely STC began to threaten the Spartan lead.

South Tama scored three runs in the bottom of the second. Saylor Upah and Serena Lowe really stepped up to the plate (pun intended) for some heavy hitting throughout the night.

It would be a great story to say the Trojans came back and won the game. Except the spirited comeback fell just short of being capped off with a victory.

But it’s still a good story. The Trojans had some of the best offensive production they’ve had all season and while they didn’t win they did put together seven competitive innings.

The Trojans ended last week with a WaMaC west double header against Marion. STC fell 14-0 and 16-7.

The Trojans closed out their regular season on Tuesday, July 7 with a non-conference game against East Marshall. The Mustangs topped the Trojans 12-0.

Despite a loss the night still had a celebratory feel to it as STC honored three seniors for Senior Night. Naomi Hoskey, Catie Collins and Julie Wise have each played with the team throughout their high school careers.

South Tama is set to take on No. 1 ranked Benton in post-season regional action in Van Horne.

For any fans of the show Friday Night Lights (yes it’s a football show) but the saying applies to any sport: Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can’t Lose.