High energy carried the Cardinals to the first win of the season Friday night as the dugout chanted and cheered for their teammates all seven innings.

The softball team defeated Blue Valley Southwest 5-1.

The Cardinals battled early-season nerves, but stayed focused and relied on their energy to end up on top.

“I think the energy was high,” freshman Austin Strickland said. “We’re going to go into this next one with even more energy. We came together as a team and finished the game strong, and now we’re going to start the second

game even stronger.”

The energy was evident for the Cardinals.

“When I’m up at the plate and I hear them in the dugout, I think my positivity just goes above the roof,” Strickland said. “Like, I can do this.”

Head coach Bill Finucane even described it as “over energy,” saying the team needs to continue working to stay disciplined and channel its energy at the right moments.

“Their energy shows that they want to be here,” Finucane said. “They want to prove what they can do.”

The Cardinals scored their first run in the third inning, followed by two fast runs in the fifth.

“I think that was really important, with a low-scoring game like that, that we all came together.” senior pitcher Samantha Claire said. “That calmed us down because we’re all very competitive. It was definitely nerve-racking.”

Finucane hopes the team can continue to focus and work together throughout the season.

“I was happy with the performance and outcome,” Finucane said. “We don’t need any superhuman plays. Once we get a little bit more relaxed, the discipline kicks in.”

For seniors like Claire, it’s not just about the team’s record — it’s about getting wins together as a team.

“It’s a lot of our last season before we go to college, so I think that just getting wins and coming together is what we need,” Claire said. “Having your teammates know that they have your back, it’s just great.”

Reach reporter Maya Smith at [email protected]