Why not root for both?

The scoreboard glows through misty rain. Franklin Pierce University is winning three to two at the top of the second inning against UMass Amherst. From below the stands, Kyle Neves can hear cheering as a player makes it to first base.

Kyle Neves zips up his UMass Amherst raincoat to stay dry during the softball scrimmage. The metal steps up the stands rattle under his feet. He finds a seat between supporting parents and a spectating high school team.

“There’s more people here than I would have expected considering the weather,” he says and looks up at storm clouds.

Kyle leans in to watch UMass’s next batter takes the plate. The ball whips toward her and she makes direct contact with the ball. Smack, she hit a hard ground ball and makes it to first.

After a couple more batters, the bases are loaded. Kyle turns and says, “I’m so torn who to root for.” Ordinarily, Kyle would only support UMass but, this game is different. He is accompanied by his girlfriend who attends FPU.

With the bases still loaded, UMass strikes out. Kyle lets out a sigh of relief.

For FPU, Ari Rodriguez steps into the box. Her back foot digs into the dirt, the first pitch bounces into the catcher’s glove. The second pitch comes in waste high; she exhales as the bat pings on contact with the ball. Racing to first base, she makes it just before the throw.

The next three batters were not as lucky and FPU couldn’t get the run. Kyle scrunches his face. The next two innings gave him lots to critique. Dropped balls, bases stolen, UMass continued scoring while FPU was at a standstill. His attention moved away from the game and to the stands.

Kyle’s face lights up as he points out a pair of golden retriever puppies across the stands. Then, his eyes dart to a guy climbing the stands to sit above the dogs.

“That guy is wearing a hat from the soccer team I played on in high school. I've never heard of anyone I know being on the team,” Kyle says.

He proceeds to launch a full investigation. Kyle toggles between both teams’ rosters. Unable to uncover any Durfee High School alumni, he’s captivated by players' stats. He nods his head, impressed by FPU’s catcher’s spring stats.

In the seventh inning, the scoreboard still glowed brightly, FPU could not win. Kyle walked back down the stands smiling because when you root for both teams you can’t lose.