"We defeated Hakuryuu High School, the semifinalists in the Selection Tournament.
That didn't just give Sawamura confidence; it gave the entire team a huge boost!
After all, ever since spring, we hadn't gotten very good results against teams with strong pitchers!
And while the main squad was away on their trip, those of us still at school went back and forth between games and practice, spending a fulfilling Golden Week.
But still...
The joy of winning was the same for the B Team too!
There had been plenty of outstanding performances from the new first-years during this time!
Of course, the Third Years were still full of spirit!
I could really feel that the whole team was working tirelessly toward summer!
As long as Furuya-kun could get back into form, then summer too...
Summer was drawing closer, little by little...
Summer..." Haruno had returned to her seat and started writing in her diary, but when she reached the word "summer," she realized she could not continue.
"Ah! Right! The back numbers...
There's still that before summer!!
I didn't really understand it last year, but this year, I've gotten close to the seniors and my classmates, so...
I understand why the back numbers stop at twenty!
But...
Can I really write these feelings in my diary?!!
Just thinking about it makes me unable to face reality!!
This is so sad!!" With that thought, Haruno slumped onto her desk.
"What's wrong?!" Seeing Haruno like that, Shiraishi came over with Nishino and asked with concern.
"No!
It's because summer is coming, so..." Haruno said sadly.
"What's wrong, Haruno!
Why are you crying?!" Nishino hurried closer.
"No!!
Before summer comes, the team has to choose the players who will participate in the tournament!
If the Third Years don't get back numbers, their last summer