The varsity softball team played against Rolla High School Thursday, Sept. 29. RBHS won 9-0 and in the 6th inning all the seniors were subbed out for the remainder of the game to honor their dedication. Between the junior varsity and varsity games, the seniors and their families were invited to the field to say farewell to their high school softball careers.

Head coach Lisa Alvis started coaching the team in 2019, when the current seniors were freshmen. She said the connection between the seniors and her is unique because they were here for her first four years. 

“We’ve been through adversity with losing family members, a pandemic, winning championships, losing championships and everything in between,” Alvis said. “Personally, they’ve seen me go through big life changes—being a new mom [and] nursing with my first son; I was pregnant with my second son during their sophomore season, and I got married. They’ve seen it all.”

Alvis said these last four years together have made Thursday’s senior festivities more touching than she anticipated. Senior pitcher Anna Christ was one of the six seniors honored at the game. Christ is committed to playing collegiate softball at St. Louis University, but finds it hard to leave her high school softball days behind. 

“It is a little bittersweet knowing it’s my last year,” Christ said. “But, I have really enjoyed these past three years playing for Rock Bridge, and have been really excited for this season, even though it is my last. I am really excited for the opportunity to represent Rock Bridge for one more year and to continue the program’s success.”

Alvis said a new identity and leadership will emerge once the seniors leave. Junior first baseman Molly Murphy also reflected on the impact seniors had.