Softball makes a comeback

Two Rockdale Girls Softball League teams took the field on Monday, after a week long hiatus due to a player contracting COVID-19.

The Aztec Warriors secured their first victory in the 12 and under division in dominant fashion as they beat G.R.I.T. 17-0.

“I’m excited to be back and finally play a game,” RGSL President Pete Rubio said. “The girls played very well and got the season off to a good start.”

Due to the rise of COVID-19 cases in Milam County, as of Wednesday morning there were 73 cases, the RGSL put new rules in place to prevent the spread of the virus.

The league removed bleachers and asked spectators to bring their own chairs.

“We didn’t want people worrying about if the bleachers were sanitized or not, so we asked them to bring their own chairs,” Rubio said.

The RGSL urged everyone to practice social distancing. Spectators were given two choices for their seating location. They could either sit behind home plate or look on from the outfield. Outfield spectators were required to remain in their vehicles.

“We’re sanitizing as much as possible,” Rubio said. “Our biggest priority is the girl’s safety.”

Both teams came out eager and ready to play. The atmosphere was similar to any little league game as the players cheered each other on using chants, while the parents clapped and critiqued their kids.

The biggest difference from last year’s games was that spectators cheered from inside their cars and players used hand sanitizer instead of chalk when they went up to bat and onto the field.

The 15U league is expected to resume play next week.

12U schedule: Wednesday, June 24, Venom vs. G.R.I.T.; Thursday, June 25, G.R.I.T. vs. Aztec Warriors; Friday, June 26, Venom vs. G.R.I.T. and G.R.I.T. vs. Aztec Warriors; Monday, June 29, G.R.I.T vs. Venom and Aztec Warriors vs. Venom; Tuesday, June 30, Aztec Warriors vs. Venom; Wednesday, July 1, Aztec Warriors vs. G.R.I.T; July 2, Venom vs. G.R.I.T.; July 3, Venom vs. Aztec Warriors.

All early games start at 6 p.m. and second games start at 7:45 p.m.