Despite Corona and all the 2020 craziness, MAIS fastpitch is going strong. The Sylva-Bay Saints are 3-3 under first-year head coach Tanner Ford. Ford is excited about coaching the Saints and had this to say about his new school, "The past two nights at home have been a really good atmosphere, not only with our girls but our fans as well. It seems like things are picking up with all that's going on with COVID."

"These girls are using softball to escape from all that temporarily. In reality, it brings us closer as a team. Every time we step out here is a gift, and we are going to appreciate the chance we get to take the field," said Ford about his perspective on dealing with modern-day challenges.

Sylva-Bay won their first home victory over Prentiss Christian Monday night and got a much-needed revenge win over Lamar Christian Tuesday. Ford is depending on youth at the mound, and youth delivered he noted, "We had an 8th grader who's been in this situation before, Summer McMullan. Seems like every time she gets in that circle she gets better. Mentally she's getting better, understanding situations, and that she doesn't have to strike out every batter. We are asking a lot out of her as a pitcher and she's hitting in the five-hole, but she's accepted the role."

The Saints fell behind 1-0 in the first inning before taking the lead in the bottom of the third 2-1. Lamar Christian was able to tie in the top of the sixth, but the Sylva-Bay answered with big hits by Madison Parker and Heather Cotton. The Saints took a 3-2 lead sealed the victory in the top of the seventh.

Wins have not come easy in 2020, but Ford sees improvement. "Sometimes our girls would get down early and want to fold. They are slowly getting better with that. The game is not as fast to them now," said Ford about responding with a come from behind win.

Ford also had this to say about his team leaders, "Madison and Heather are stepping up big time for us. That's why Madison is at the front of the lineup. They both had huge hits today as team leaders."

Sylva-Bay travels to Prentiss Friday and plays in the PCS tournament at Taylor Park Saturday. District play starts in two weeks.