The Joseph Case softball team took time to reflect on last season's accomplishment during their end of the season banquet.

The road to the program's first three-peat was harder than anyone expected. The Cardinals played a harder schedule and was tested early. After losing just two games combined in the prior two seasons, Case finished last spring with a 14-6 mark.

But in the playoffs, the Cardinals rose to the occasion, sweeping all five games including the Division 4 state final game, 7-6, against Tyngsboro at Worcester State University's Rockwood Softball Field. It was Case's seventh state championship.

On Sunday, there were smiles, tears and gratification for the Cardinal players and coaches as they gladly accepted their third straight state championship rings at the Fall River Country Club.

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