Since Vandegrift opened its doors, no Viper softball team has ever made a postseason appearance. That changed this year when the team locked up the 3rd seed in early April after a tough 3-0 loss to eventual district champion and perennial powerhouse, Cedar Ridge.

Senior night fell on the last game of the regular season vs Westwood. The Vipers celebrated 6 seniors, Erin Hosick (captain), Eesha Shah (captain), Mia Guerra, Emmy Lindeman, Anna Delmonico, and Alex Lorimer. These 6 seniors started their VHS career with an underpowered team that finished last in the district. They capped off their final season with Vandegrift’s first ever playoff appearance.

After a non-district tune-up vs Georgetown last Tuesday, the Vipers Softball season came to a close Monday night vs Hays in the bi-district round of the 2021 playoffs.   The Vipers fought hard but lost a close 3-2 contest to a very talented Hays team.   

The game started Friday night  before it was called in the bottom of the second due to lightning before resuming on Monday. Samantha Wunsch went the distance in the circle, allowing 1 earned run and 2 hits while striking out 8. Taylor Dimanoff and Samantha Wunsch had back to back RBI singles in the 3rd inning, driving in both of the Viper’s runs.

Vandegrift’s playoff run was powered by chants of “Do it for Jeffe”.  “Jeffe” is Coach Nick Jefferson, who joined the VHS softball program this season after previously coaching at Akins.  The players gave him the “Jeffe” nickname early in the season as he won them over with his genuine approach to coaching. Coach Jefferson told the team when he met them that they would be competing for a district title and that he believed in them completely, and they took it to the bank.

Next season, Vandegrift returns eight starters, five of whom will be seniors. Viper softball’s future is bright!