“Academy!” the outfield echoes, and disperses to their positions. “Nice work.” Nyla gently taps me on the back with her glove. “Kylie’s back!” Abby shouts. Jessica adds, “Kylie’s not just back. Kylie’s a beast!” “I know! Talk about devouring the competition!” Phoenix yells. I burst into a huge grin at that one. It feels so good to be back inside our complex with the girls—and not as a stupid, insignificant onlooker. “Balls in,” the umpire calls from his spot behind home plate. Nyla hands me the ball and smacks my leather glove. “Go get ’em, Killer Ky.” I smile even wider. “Killer Ky” is the understatement of the century. Bel Air hasn’t scored in six innings. Meanwhile, our team is up by two, and I’ve earned five strikeouts and no walks. We’re in the perfect position to continue our winning streak—if we win today, we’re undefeated with five wins. And that moves us into serious consideration for the Desert Invitational and that much closer to saving the softball program.
