On Thursday night, the Park softball team took their first victory against Chaska and third victory of the season — the final score was 6-3 after a grand slam by senior captain Anya Lindell Paulson put Park in the lead, according to head coach Bobby Crumpton.

“The sixth inning score was 2-2, there were two outs and two strikes, and Anya Lindell Paulson hit a grand slam home run to win the game,” Crumpton said. “I would even say it was the greatest hit in the school’s history.”

Sophomore JV player Anya Morrison said the team was united and confident before the game started.

“The team was really excited beforehand and we predicted our win against Chaska,” Morrison said.

Lindell Paulson said the grand slam was a great moment for the team, but it wasn’t the only thing that won the game.

“Everyone was really excited about (the grand slam). I wouldn’t say that it turned the game around because we were really good about keeping ourselves up already, but it helped us finish the game strong,” Lindell Paulson said.

According to Crumpton, this season’s victories represent improvement from past years.

“The team has had a losing record for 39 years,” Crumpton said. “All the winning going on now has never happened before and it’s very good to see that.”

Lindell Paulson said the team worked together and didn’t give up when the game wasn’t in their favor.

“We played really well as a team, we kept each other up even after (the opposing team) scored a couple runs. We were good about thinking about winning and not giving up,” Lindell Paulson said.

According to Crumpton, the first victory against Chaska marked a turning point in the players’ mindset.

“It was the first time in history we’ve beaten Chaska,” Crumpton said.“The players have really turned a corner with confidence and believing in themselves.”

The Softball team’s next game is 4:30 P.M. April 28 at Visitation High School against Visitation.