By Alex Goodson, guest columnist
As the final weekend of gameplay for the “All Star Israel” softball league approaches, some teams are headed towards the Tier 1 playoffs and a shot at the Holyland Series championship trophy, while others prepare for the Tier 2 AFI Cup. Several teams made big statements in their last games which could give them momentum in the postseason.
MMJ knocked off undefeated Tzionim with a score of 11-5, and also beat Water Sensations 9-4, pushing MMJ into a tie for second place with Lobos. Lobos also won in convincing style, by a 12-5 margin over Good Old Boys, keeping them alive for a potential first-round bye.
Frozen Ropes remained at the top of the standings with two big wins, defeating Jerry’s Kids and Mevaseret. The undefeated team seems to be a clear cut favorite heading into the playoffs, but still has a big test against second place Lobos, who trail by just one game in the standings.
With Frozen Ropes, MMJ and Lobos all having clinched playoff berths, the remaining three spots are up for grabs this weekend, and the field is crowded. Although they lost to Frozen Ropes, Jerry’s Kids kept their playoff hopes alive with a win over Morningside Translations. With that win, there is potential for a 4-way tie between Jerry’s Kids, Tzionim, Water Sensations and Morningside Translations. Mevaseret and Good Old Boys are also still in the hunt, though they each need to win out, and also get some help from other team’s losses.
Tzionim still holds their fate in their own hands, needing at least one win in their doubleheader this Friday (5/29) against Water Sensations and Morningside Translations, in order to clinch. Both ends of the twinbill will have huge postseason implications, likely finalizing the Holyland Series playoff bracket.
As the final weekend of gameplay for the “All Star Israel” softball league approaches, some teams are headed towards the Tier 1 playoffs and a shot at the Holyland Series championship trophy, while others prepare for the Tier 2 AFI Cup. Several teams made big statements in their last games which could give them momentum in the postseason.
MMJ knocked off undefeated Tzionim with a score of 11-5, and also beat Water Sensations 9-4, pushing MMJ into a tie for second place with Lobos. Lobos also won in convincing style, by a 12-5 margin over Good Old Boys, keeping them alive for a potential first-round bye.
Frozen Ropes remained at the top of the standings with two big wins, defeating Jerry’s Kids and Mevaseret. The undefeated team seems to be a clear cut favorite heading into the playoffs, but still has a big test against second place Lobos, who trail by just one game in the standings.
With Frozen Ropes, MMJ and Lobos all having clinched playoff berths, the remaining three spots are up for grabs this weekend, and the field is crowded. Although they lost to Frozen Ropes, Jerry’s Kids kept their playoff hopes alive with a win over Morningside Translations. With that win, there is potential for a 4-way tie between Jerry’s Kids, Tzionim, Water Sensations and Morningside Translations. Mevaseret and Good Old Boys are also still in the hunt, though they each need to win out, and also get some help from other team’s losses.
Tzionim still holds their fate in their own hands, needing at least one win in their doubleheader this Friday (5/29) against Water Sensations and Morningside Translations, in order to clinch. Both ends of the twinbill will have huge postseason implications, likely finalizing the Holyland Series playoff bracket.