Paula Reed’s softball team has been undefeated ever since they started keeping track of wins — for at least four seasons. Reed said they didn’t keep score in T-ball or coach pitch.

Despite cruising through the Jhawk softball league season, the Red team has experienced its share of adversity. Kiely Mosiman and her teammate Kendyll Severa were in a go-cart accident June 20. Severa escaped injury, but Mosiman had to be lifeflighted to the Kansas University Medical Center after a piece of rebar went through her leg. The girls were riding the go-cart on a sidewalk when they hit the rebar.

When Mosiman came home from the hospital, June 24, her teammates visited her and offered her support.

Even though her injury has left Mosiman out for the season, she goes to the games on crutches with her mother, Kris, an assistant coach. Her teammates have dedicated the games they have won since the accident to Kiely.

The Red team beat the Yellow team, 18-2, June 30 in what Reed said was the best defensive effort her team has ever put forth. Reed noted the team’s play on pop flies and their two double plays as impressive.

Reed’s players may have had an extra incentive for such a performance.

“Some of the girls had heard that the Yellow team was undefeated before they played us,” Reed said.

All of the girls go to school together at St. John’s Catholic School. The team’s camaraderie from growing up together has resulted in numerous inside jokes, including nicknames on the backs of their shirts.

Some girls simply have their last names, or something like it — Mary Coldsnow has “Frosty.” Annie Lebeer has “Greenie” on her jersey because her favorite color is green.

“She has everything green. Her backpack is green and she even has green overalls,” teammate Meghan Nutter said.

Growing up together as a team, many playing for Reed since they were in kindergarten, has not only produced a special bond, but it has translated to success on the field while learning.

“The girls have really picked up the game the past two years,” Reed said. “They are not just out there playing with dirt; they know what they are doing and know their positions.”

Now that the girls are getting older, Reed said she expects them to get more serious.

“We probably should move to a more competitive league,” Reed said.

But to the girls, competition takes a back seat to having fun.

“It doesn’t really matter if we win, I just enjoy being with my friends,” Kiely said.

Most players on the team will be sixth graders this fall and have another year where they are eligible to play in the Parks and Recreation league. But some players, like Beasley and Nutter, will be too old and have to move up and play in the Lawrence Girls Fast Pitch Assn. next year.

Even though the players won’t be able to play in the same age group next year, some are eager to make the transition to the fast-pitch league together.

“I’m a little scared, but I really hope that I will have Caitlyn Beasley to play with,” Nutter said.