Connell 21-26

ROYAL 0-1

CONNELL - It may not have been an ideal way to move into the last week of their season, but the Royal Lady Knights can still consider 2011 a success so far.

That comes before and after their doubleheader loss at the hands of arguably Class 1A's best softball team, Connell, who won 21-0 and 26-1 in two games against the visiting Lady Knights.

"We had the opportunity to participate in a that can only be described as wow," Royal head coach Pete Christensen said. "We played Connell and it was an educational experience to say the least.  They are the real deal.  Many of the good teams we have faced this year have had a great pitcher but their supporting cast was at best, just as good as we are."

Connell's depth and offensive prowess led to an 11-run outburst in the third inning of game one and their first at bat of game two.

Still, the Royal program's improvement over the season showed itself as the games wound down even if the score didn't reflect that.

"Our girls never quit even when they seemed a bit rattled by the speed and power of the other team at the beginning of the game," Christensen said. "We did manage to get a couple of hits in each of the games, but we have a ways to go before we can compete with teams in their caliber. It is a day I hope we don't have to experience again.  I too hope to learn from these types of games and prepare the girls better next year for greater success.  There will be greater expectations from all of us next year."