A lot of it had to do with the importance of support-it really wasn't over, and every play was critical.
But it also seemed like the softball team genuinely appreciates playing the game, and isn't afraid to express it. You see it between innings, when virtually the entire team comes out to throw around in the outfield. Watching the combination of Thoke's fierceness on the mound and the constant party that is the Crimson clubhouse, one can't help but think that other sports could stand to learn something.
The credit for that kind of positive atmosphere should go to its leaders. Departing tri-captains Mairead McKendry and Jen Vogt-Lowell made lasting contributions to the program, and will be sorely missed. And, of course, no one was greater than Two-Eighter.
The squad they led may have lost a shot at national glory, but they did repeat as Ivy League champions.
And when they finally did lose, true to form, they went down swinging. And singing.