GB Catcher

Betsy didn't play in the third game. The other catcher opened and it only went two innings so she didn't get on. She needed the rest, so I was glad, though I know it isn't what makes her happy.

They were playing a Russian Team and the coaches are quite different to our girls' to say the least! Though they speak in Russian obviously, it's often very clear what they are saying, as they are often cross with the girls, despite them being 13 or under. One even got hold of the cage at the front of a girls helmet and shook it roughly from side to side as she shouted at her, making her head rattle inside. The poor girl looked very frightened! It's quite impossible to imagine any of Betsy's coaches doing such a thing!

We saw Betsy at the local swimming pool in the afternoon. She was tired looking but we had 10 minutes with her and she told us she is having an amazing time and loving every minute. I saw the ball imprint in her arm. She also is covered with many scabs and bruises and scratches none of who she can account for or is remotely bothered about.

There was a 7.15 game against Italia 2, and Betsy caught the whole game. They are a tough team, but the girls played so well. They are in good spirits and singing in the dugouts at the top of their lungs as usual. They even have a song they sing to us if they think we are not cheering loud enough!

Betsy played very well. She also scored! It was fantastic. She got to walk to first, stole second, and then ran though third to home to score!

She also did amazingly well when she was up to bat later in the game. It was full count (two strikes and three balls) but she kept her nerve and when the next pitch came at her it was low, but she judged it right, didn't swing, and so she could get to walk to first. It was particularly nerve-wracking because there were two outs and the bases were loaded but because she kept rock-steady, they got home. Lots of the other parents commented on it.

They played the game on the dirt and as the sun went down, the floodlights went on and it looked beautiful. After the game the GB girls pulled the Italians into a big circle for a rendition of their signature song, 'Hey Baby!', it was very sweet.

This is my favourite photo of Betsy from the entire tournament. She is oblivious to the supporters, her face is filthy from both the warpaint they wear and the dirt of the pitch, she is focussed and determined and looks both tough beyond her years but also very vulnerable. Her pony tail is matted as usual, from pulling the gear on and off and her arm looks so skinny, yet I know how strong she is.