The Dublin Varsity Softball team was looking forward to this season and an opportunity to return to the North Coast Section playoffs after advancing to the Quarterfinals last year in the program’s first postseason action since 2015.
As they were getting ready to depart on the afternoon of Friday, March 13th for their season opener at the Irvington Tournament, the East Bay Athletic League announced that it was suspending all athletic activities until further notice due to COVID-19. Unfortunately for the Gaels, the CIF and the NCS announced that they were canceling their respective post-seasons on April 3rd, and the EBAL followed suit and canceled all spring sports on April 6th.
Although it is very unfortunate that the team did not get the opportunity to compete in any regular season games this season, there is a lot of potential for next season as the program returns 13 Varsity players and is also prepared to re-establish a JV team as well. Before looking ahead though to next year, Head Coach Sarah Machado wanted to recognize the seniors to their commitment to the program and helping to lay the foundation for future success. They are as follows (in numerical order):
Kannon Phipps #3
Kannon has been a Varsity Softball starter all four years in which she has attended Dublin High School. She played first base, and outfield for the Lady Gaels and did a spectacular job. Kannon’s fellow teammates would describe her as funny, outgoing and the life of the party. Brining to practice a smile and great dance moves is always something you can count on from Kannon. Her ability to make everyone feel welcome and important really shined this season as we had such a large squad with many new faces joining us, but Kannon helped pull the team dynamic together with her amazing traits. In her four years as a Lady Gael Kannon was successful both on and off the field earning the following achievements, Freshman & Sophomore year she received All Tournament at the Queen of the Mountain Tournament, a 3 year Scholar Athlete, EBAL Honorable Mention her Freshman year, and was on her way to be a team captain her Senior season. Kannon’s favorite memories with Dublin High Softball are being able to play her Freshman year with her sister and getting to be on the field for her Senior night, and when she hit three triples against Monte Vista in one game. She plans to attend Sacramento State University where she will be majoring in Communications & Public Relations. Kannon thank you for being such a positive light to the Dublin High School Softball team and we wish you the best on your next adventure.
Mary Clingerman #6
Mary Clingerman has been a Varsity Softball starter all four years in which she has attended Dublin High School. She was well known for holding down the infield for the Lady Gaels especially at the third base position in which she played Freshman through Junior year. Mary’s fellow teammates would describe her as loud, outgoing, high energy, and passionate. Her passion for the game was undeniable and infectious to the team. This year Mary was in the process of making the switch from third base to short stop where she undeniably would have led not only the infield but the whole team to success. Her high energy and outgoing personality really welcomed in the new players giving them a glimpse of not only the hard-working side of the Lady Gaels Softball team but also the fun infectious memories that were going to be made. Mary’s accomplishments with the Lady Gaels are being a Scholar Athlete all four years and being Offensive Player of the Year her Sophomore season. Mary was undoubtedly a leader on the team this year in which she would have been our third team captain. Her favorite memories as a Dublin High Softball player were the after practice dance party her Freshman year in which everyone stayed late to enjoy team bonding and fun memories listening to music, sharing dance moves and tips, her other favorite memory is her Freshman year against Dougherty Valley when it was a close game and the score was flipping back and forth but our Lady Gaels rallied to win with a final score of 18-17. Mary plans to attend University of Reno where she will be a double major in Wildlife Ecology and Journalism. Mary thank you for always bringing the energy and adventure to Dublin High Softball and we have no doubt you will be successful in your next adventure.
Liberty Schlag #10
Liberty Schlag has been a Varsity Softball starter all four years in which she has attended Dublin High School. Being one of our most diverse players on the field Liberty can play anywhere but her focal positions at Dublin were Pitcher and Center Field. Liberty’s fellow teammates would describe her as the mother of the team, hardworking, knowledgeable, & organized. Her helping hand on and off the field is a great quality of hers that was often used and very appreciated. This year she really took on the leadership role in helping the new players navigate through practice and was always there to help explain to them the proper techniques needed to complete the drill. Her dedication is unmatchable on the team and will be greatly missed. Liberty’s achievements on and off the field would not come as a surprise to anyone who knew this hard-working young lady. Her list of accomplishments with Dublin High Softball is nothing short of outstanding. She was team captain her Sophomore year and well on her way to being one this year, MVP of the team both Freshman and Junior year, Scholar Athlete all four years, Stampede All Tournament team Freshman & Junior year, Scholastic team Sophomore and Junior year, Honorable Mention of the EBAL Freshman year, and EBAL Second Team All-League Sophomore and Junior year. Liberty’s favorite memory with Dublin High Softball is when she hit an in the park homerun against Dougherty Valley her Sophomore year. She plans to attend Carroll College in Helena Montana where she will major in Nursing. Liberty thank you for your dedication, hard work and knowledge you contributed to the Dublin High Softball team and we wish you the best on your next step in life.
