GREENSBORO, N.C. – One by smiling one, UNC Greensboro (UNCG) players posed for snapshots with the Southern Conference championship trophy – a reward for thriving in a year like no other.
The smiles beneath beautiful and sunny skies held deeper significance for the Spartans who won their fourth consecutive (and third straight outright) SoCon championship after a dominating weekend sweep of Western Carolina. UNCG outscored the Catamounts, 23-2 to earn the right to host this weekend's championship tournament.
Sunday's championship victory was a moment to savor.
As fans stood, cheered, and clapped, players paraded around the field feeling a strong sense of relief. The Spartans had reached one of their goals and the finish line of a regular season that wasn't even guaranteed back in August when the COVID-19 pandemic reached its peak and fall sport seasons were postponed.
In remaining optimistic, the Spartans worked hard in the classroom, in the weight room and on the field all while trying to adjust to stringent social distancing guidelines. Like every other student-athlete in the nation, the Spartans sacrificed so that they could play the sport that they love. It wasn't easy.
The euphoria of accomplishment produced a delirious flood of emotions from players as they shared deep and meaningful embraces with each other following the final out. This was no ordinary championship. No, this one will be savored in a different and special way. All championships are memorable and are accomplished through some level of grit and determination.
However, this one hits different especially since last year's 2020 season was truncated after 22 contests and there was no championship to celebrate.
This is why each drill, practice, at-bat, and day at the stadium was cherished and respected. One lesson that strengthened the Spartans is the pandemic helped everybody not to take anything for granted. Long bus rides were treasured. They had the unpleasant feeling of knowing what it's like to have something taken away in a moment.
The resiliency the Spartans displayed during the times of uncertainty served them well during the turbulent moments of the season. UNCG lost its first four contests, endured a mid-season rut that reached the nadir with a seven-run loss to Charlotte on April 14.
UNCG finished the season with a flourish by winning 13 of its final 14 contests to win 31 games, the 18th time in program history with at least 30 victories in a single season.
From the first pitch of its weekend series against Western Carolina when
Makenna Matthijs singled to their final swing, which was a
Brooklynn Maxwell infield single that scored a run, the Spartans were locked and loaded at the plate.
They belted eight home runs. Western Carolina had seven hits – all singles in 18 innings.
Now there's more work to be accomplished as UNCG embarks on a postseason journey beginning Thursday against Mercer.
UNCG has overcome many obstacles this season to earn this precious opportunity. After all, playing softball in May wasn't guaranteed back in August. The Spartans triumphed over adversity and persevered through every challenge.
It made the moment Sunday afternoon sweeter.
