(November 23, 2004) — A crowd of over 100 students turned out to see the White Sox battle with last years champs, the L.A. Dodgers Nov. 10. The Dodgers made a statement, massacring the Sox 16-1. Hopes were high going into the game, when the Sox seemed to make short work of the Dodgers’ offense, and went up to bat, even scoring a run. But tides turned, and the Dodgers resumed scoring at will with no regard for human life. As anyone with an understanding of softball could see, most participants in the tournament weren’t aware of the basic softball rules. For example, once a player hits a fair ball he or she is allowed to run off first base after tagging it and still be considered safe. However, this is not the case for second and third base as many players found out, standing next to the base as they were tagged out. Part of the Dodgers’ strategy was a baseball technique called pickling. After securing first base, the runner would dash off towards second, causing the baseman on first to throw the ball to the second baseman. The runner then retreats back to first, and the baseman follows in an attempt to get the runner out. This continues until either the runner is out or has stolen a base. This accounted for many of the Dodger’s points, but was something that many teams could not execute. One of the highlights of the game was junior Jimmy Kim’s fantastic hit directly into junior Paul Wu’s face, which ushered “ooh’s” and “ahh’s” from the crowd. Wu was not seriously injured, and continued to pitch for his team later icing the point of impact. “We all held our breaths when the ball made contact, and were relieved to see he was all right,” said junior Andrew Suh, captain of the White Sox. On the game as a whole Suh said, “We tried our best, and you can count on us competing next year.” One interesting scene was junior Danica Valencia storming disappointedly off the field. When asked why, Valencia said she didn’t feel she contributed enough to the win. She wasn’t concerned with the victory of the team, as others would be in her position, but with her own performance. Being on back-to-back championship teams, the winner’s circle is nothing new. “Hopefully I’ll be on another winning team my senior year to make it a three-peat,” said Valencia. The trophies to the champions and second place team were awarded Thursday at the front of the amphitheater, with Nick Alparaz claiming MVP for the Dodgers. Also, sportsmanship plaques were awarded to a select few who were supportive of their team and had a good attitude, win or lose. All those who were eliminated will have to wait until next year for their shot at the title. This year’s softball tourney is history, and students look towards assembling their teams for the Intramurals Flag Football tournament that will begin next month.