I just want to take a moment to thank everyone who continues to read this story though I know it doesn't get updated as often as some of my more popular stories. Also, I know it doesn't have as many reviews either but I am grateful for everyone who is still interested in this story. Again, not a whole lot of hockey or Ducks in this chapter but for a well-rounded MC sometimes she has to do her own thing.

A few days later, after hockey practice, Lizzy showed up to baseball practice to see Coach Bob looked surprised to see her. "Lizzy? While I always appreciate a visit from a skilled player, varsity practice is over and I'm sure you're got homework," the coach said.

"Research that can be done after dinner. And actually, I'm here for practice," Lizzy answered.

Coach Bob looked at his roster. "I don't see you on my list."

"Coach Bob," Sam said, rushing up.

"Yogi. Never a bad day to have a trainer at practice."

"Coach Williamson wanted me to give you this list. He said he had to finalize it after tryouts." Yogi handed the list to Coach Bob.

"Why are you giving me varsity's list?" The first name on the list was Lizzy's.

"Read the whole list," Yogi said.

The coach's eyes scrolled down the entire list. "I see. Ms. Lizzy, I apologize. You're in the right spot even if I don't understand his decision. Alright, Boys—" Coach Bobby started.

"Guys," Lizzy corrected.

"Ok, guys, let's get to work."

Over the next two weeks, Lizzy continued to manage hockey and baseball as well as her homework and the play. At least, until they won their playoff games. Then she saw the baseball season schedule and the date of the hockey state game. She spoke first to Coach Bob.

"Quick question. What would happen if I missed the season opener?" she asked.

"Is something going on?" the coach asked.

"Not exactly. I just wonder."

"Miss the season opener you also miss the next two games. It's a rule we have."

"Got it, thanks." She went to her aunt's that night for dinner. Bombay was setting the table when she walked in. "Hey," she said.

"Hey. This is a nice surprise. Casey, Lizzy's here," Bombay answered.

"Well, I made plenty," Casey answered, bringing an extra dish to the table. "Have a seat, sweetie. Unless you're not staying?"

"No. I can stay." She took a seat at the table. Through dinner she listened to Casey talk about her day and then Bombay talked about a few kids he had his eye on for the goodwill games.

Finally, Casey turned to Lizzy. "You've been awfully quiet. How are things at school? Gordon says you're playing really well."

"School's fine and hockey's great." Lizzy paused and looked down at the napkin in her lap as she gathered her courage for her next question. "How mad would you be if I missed the state game?" she asked, glancing at Bombay.

Bombay shared a look with Casey but smiled softly at Lizzy. "I told you that I know you don't live hockey the way some of these guys do and I accept that, so I would never be mad that you backed out of a game but I'd be disappointed if you didn't have a reason," Bombay said. "And not just as your coach."

"And if I told you the season opener was the same day?" Lizzy asked.

"I'd say you were lying."

"Gordon," Casey scolded. "I know Lizzy would never flat out lie to you even if she bends the truth slightly."

Bombay nodded to Casey before looking back at Lizzy. "I understand that but I also checked the baseball schedule. Your season starts the day before. I made sure when I spoke to the state athletic association. They didn't want the game to overlap."

"Varsity's game is the day before," Lizzy mentioned.

"Then I don't understand," Bombay said confused.

"You're the friend Charlie was talking about," Casey said, realization dawning on her.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Lizzy said quickly.

"Lizzy, Charlie came home Sunday night and told me about this friend of his who has this amazing opportunity to do something they love but those in charge didn't want to give her the chance. I told him that despite being nearly an adult, people don't want to listen to kids and if she's not complaining there may not be anything he could do about it. Now that I know he's talking about you, you should call your dad. Rob loves you and would do anything to help you out," Casey told her.

"It's my fault Wilson got fired. I'm not going to do it to Williamson too." At Casey's confused look, Lizzy rolled her eyes. "We have a new coach this year."

"Is he not letting you play because you're a girl?" Bombay asked.

"I don't know. I didn't ask. I'll tough out the year on JV and focus next year specifically on hockey."

"You really don't want us to do anything about this?" Casey asked. Her aunt and Bombay looked really worried about her situation but that was the last thing she wanted and she really didn't want them to get involved.

"I'm not getting another coach fired. I don't want that reputation."

"The reputation of the girl who made the school better for girls everywhere? Sometimes, I see so much of your dad in you. Other times, you remind me so strongly of your mom. Matt and Ben may look like her but you have so many of her personality traits. She was a lot like Nat."

"Nat's a strong woman. So are you."

"But neither of us got that way by letting men walk all over us or telling us what we can or can't do."

Lizzy's shoulders slumped as she sat back in her seat. "I understand that, Aunt Casey, really I do, but after the fuss I made six months ago, I can't and won't make another one." Both adults shared a look but let the subject drop. At least, until Lizzy was alone in the kitchen.

She was washing the dishes when Bombay stepped up next to her. "I will stay out of it if you tell me to but first, I want to make a point," Bombay told her.

"Bombay, please don't. Usually when you get involved it will work out for everyone. Keeping the Ducks at Eden Hall, getting Charlie to come back, bringing Portman back, and I guess what you did for me and Julie six months ago, but this time ... I'm really ok with not doing anything to change it. Sometimes life gives you lemons and you have to make lemonade or at the very least drink lemon water."

"Technically life didn't give us lemons, they crosspollinated into existence, but not the point. I think with enough practice and determination, you are capable of just about anything you put your mind to. I'm not saying that because I married your aunt or because you're a Duck and I think highly of all my Ducks. There are certain Ducks who would honestly surprise me if they did some things."

"Oh yeah? Like who?" Lizzy set the plate she had just rinsed off in the drainer.

"I think all of my Ducks are smart but if Russ were to make it to and through an Ivy league school, I would be shocked. If Portman became a doctor or a businessman, I'd be shocked. My point is, I've watched you struggle and overcome so much that I know you are capable of a lot more than they give you credit for. If you can throw a baseball half as hard as you can hit a hockey puck, you throw harder than half the boys in your league."

Lizzy dropped the washcloth back into the soapy water and braced her hands on the sink. She stared at the popping bubbles. "What if that's what this is about? What if, for the first time in my life, I'm not good enough to play with the boys?"

Bombay slipped a hand onto her shoulder. "I don't think that's true. I think you are more than capable but there are still some men in the world who will never see women as equals. It's a flaw they have that they won't back down from unless proven wrong."

"How do I prove him wrong without involving my father or the school board?"

"I wish I knew. The first place to start is to find out why he didn't want you on varsity."

"I see. Thanks." She smiled at Bombay and he smiled softly. It almost felt like a look she'd get from her dad or Matt.

"I can always step in if you want me to."

"I'll think about it."

But she didn't bring it to his attention. She didn't bring it to anyone's attention. She continued to be on JV and did her best.

Lizzy decided, when the time came, to go to Varsity's season opener. It was still her team and Bash was still her cousin. Before that though, she had to explain to her hockey team that she wouldn't be joining them for the hockey game the following day. So that Friday, she found most of the team eating with Kyle with the exception of the original Ducks. She walked over to the Ducks' table and got their attention. "Hey guys, Port, Guy, Ads, and Julie, could y'all do me a favor and join me over there?" She pointed to the rest of the varsity team.

"What's going on, Liz?" Fulton asked.

"I just need to talk to the team real quick and I want them all to be there," Lizzy answered. She shot him a smile and he nodded but didn't fully believe that was it. The other four got up and followed her over. "Ok, so everyone from the varsity team is here," Lizzy said, gathering the attention of the team.

"Yeah, so, what's up?" Kyle asked.

"I'm about to tell you something and about half of you are going to hate me for it," Lizzy said.

"Ok. I doubt that's going to happen but go ahead," Kyle said.

"I know that State Finals are tomorrow and we're up against one of the best teams in Minnesota. Northeast Duluth is no joke. They're good. I think we're better though. We have a great team and y'all have learned to work together and act like a true team despite differences in your backgrounds. Win or lose, I'm really proud of you people. Bombay would tell you the same. You've come together and you work hard. With that in mind, I have no doubt we can win that game tomorrow. That said, you're going to have to do it without me. I want to be there and help y'all kick butt. However, there's no way I can pitch the JV baseball game and then make it to Alexandria before the game." The athletic association had chosen a neutral rink for the state game after they had their two teams. "I apologize guys. You're a great team and my absence shouldn't affect the way you play together. I'll be rooting for you the whole time."

"JV? You're telling me that you didn't make the varsity baseball team?" Portman asked in disbelief.

"I didn't but I don't know why. That's not important though. What's important right now is that you all do your best and take down those Trojans," Lizzy said.

"How long have you known?" Kyle asked. He sounded angry. She flinched.

"Known what?" she asked, trying not to sound scared.

Kyle's tone simmered. "That you weren't going to be at the game?"

"Couple of days. I didn't want to do this but I don't have a choice. If I miss the baseball game, I sit out two more. I don't want to let you guys down but my scholarship did originate from my baseball playing skills. I can't violate the contract. I apologize. Really, I do. It's a crap choice but one I had to make."

Adam put a hand on her shoulder, comfortingly. "You're doing what you have to do and while we hate that you can't be there, we know somethings are unavoidable," Adam told her.

Lizzy looked around at the rest of the team and though they didn't look happy not a single one made any kind of remark towards her. Lizzy nodded and walked over to where Aly and her friends were sitting and plopped down.

The next day, at the varsity game, she sat herself down in the stands just behind Tom Riley of the school board and Dean Buckley. She was surprised when her dad and Bombay joined them. "Rob, great to see you. Has your girl headed to the locker room already? I was hoping to wish her good luck," Mr. Riley said.

"I think so, but I know she'll be glad to see you here supporting the team," Lizzy's dad answered.

"I have a good feeling about the team this year. Is your team ready for the game tomorrow, Coach? Big shoes to fill," Tom asked, turning his attention to Bombay.

"They're ready and win or lose they'll play their hearts out. They're good kids," Bombay said. "Here comes the team." Everyone's attention turned to the field.

"That's weird," Rob said as the kids finished filing past. "Tom, did you spot number 69?"

"I don't think so. Why?" Mr. Riley answered.

"That's Lizzy's number."

"You sure?"

"I'm sure, Matt's is 11, it's his favorite number, Ben's is 81, the year his sister was born, Seth's is 37 but he would never tell me why, and Chris's 07 'cause I admit we let him watch too many Bond movies as a child. My little girl was always different. The number had never been used in the NHL and as of now, only three times in the MLB," Rob said.

"Hey, Coach Williamson," Dean Buckley called.

"Dean Buckley," the coach answered, stepping over to the stands instead of heading for the dugout.

"How's your team looking this year?" the dean asked, nodding to the field.

"Like they could win state. These boys are as good as it gets."

"You mean kids?" Tom asked.

"Sure, but they're all lads so I don't think it matters either way. Keep an eye on our pitcher, he's got major league written all over him." All eyes turned to the field where they could clearly see the team warming up with a very not-female pitcher.

"What's his name?" Tom asked.

"Henson. He was a freshman last year but from his tapes he has got an unbeaten fastball and a slider that no one can touch."

"Interesting choice not using Jacobs this year," Bombay said.

"She's decent but we all know she doesn't have the stamina or the drive to keep up with the team. No offense, Bombay. Gliding across the ice is a lot different than moving on the dirt. Hey. Jacobs. Is there any relation to Chris Jacobs? Pitched last year for the Tennessee Volunteers?"

"He's her big brother. Taught her to pitch," Rob said.

And the next words out of the coach's mouth sealed his fate. "Too bad she's not his little brother. Maybe that teaching would have amounted to something," Williamson said.

Lizzy's hands balled into fists and she tried to resist the urge to punch the sexist pig.

"If you'll excuse me, gentlemen, I have a game to coach." Williamson walked off and a hand slid over Lizzy's.

"You'll break the skin if you don't calm down," Nat told her. Lizzy unballed her fists as Jim took a seat on Nat's other side.

"Jim Reed. Great to see you again," a voice said from the far side of Jim.

"Jerry. I didn't know you were coming," Jim answered.

"Eden Hall is said to have one of the best pitchers in the league and their 3rd baseman isn't too bad either."

"What do you know about this Henson kid?" Jim asked.

"Henson? No." Jerry flipped through his notebook. "No, it says here pitcher's name is Lizzy Jacobs. She was instrumental in their playoff run last year."

"Jacobs didn't make varsity this year," Jim informed him as Nat put an arm around Lizzy.

"Pitcher in high school pitching between 85 and 93 miles an hour with a breaking ball no batter has hit who pitched 17 near-perfect games last year didn't make varsity this year, not even as a benchwarmer? What's this school thinking, Jim?"

"Don't know. But this new pitcher must be fantastic if the coach thinks he's better than Jacobs."

"It hurts, Nat," Lizzy whimpered. "It hurts."

"I know, honey, but it won't be like this for long," Nat answered.

Jim looked at her then back at his friend. He leaned back slightly. "Jerry, this is Liz Jacobs. Lizzy, this is Jerry, he's a minor league scout," Jim said, introducing the pair.

"Pleasure, sir," Lizzy said.

That's when Rob turned around. "Lizzy? Why didn't you say something?" He stared at her in disbelief.

Lizzy shrugged. "Nothing to say. I'm sorry that you came up here today and don't get to see me play. Please, don't do anything rash about the coach. He's just coaching how he sees fit. Don't get him fired on my behalf," Lizzy asked him.

"Lizzy, sweetheart, you can out pitch this kid blindfolded," Nat told her.

Lizzy's attention turned back to her godmother. "Maybe, but we are where we are and Bash deserves our support. That's what's important today."

Seven innings later, Lizzy was beside herself with anger. The kid couldn't pitch his way out of a wet paper bag and the team's only saving grace was that their fielders were great. Eden Hall won 8-6 but it didn't bode well for the rest of the season.

Bash and Mike joined the group near the gates after the game. "I don't care who I have to beg or bribe, I am not catching another game for that pitcher," Mike told her.

"Mike," Lizzy scolded. Even Tom and Buckley looked at him in shock.

"Can't do it. It's like he favors his fastball and sliders and won't throw anything else," Mike told her.

She turned her attention to her cousin and Mike's friend. "Bash."

He, however, didn't back her. "Mike has a point. I haven't had to work that hard since Little League. I'm not saying he's terrible but I'd prefer to have you back too." At least that wasn't completely against her.

"We all have homework we can be doing," Lizzy said. "So hit the showers and get to it."

After her game the following day, Jim stopped her. "Liz, you remember Jerry, right?" Jim asked, nodding to the man next to him.

Lizzy smiled at the scout. "Of course," she answered.

"You're one hell of a player. I brought Tim here out with me today," Jerry said. He introduced the man standing next to him.

The other man nodded, looking impressed. "He told me about you and I brought my speed gun. Did you know that you didn't throw a single pitch under 87 mph? That's nearly unheard of in high school," Tim said.

"And it's clear from your 55 strikes that it's a waste to have you on JV. I hope to see you pitching varsity next week against the St. Paul Pirates. You deserve it," Jerry said.

"Thanks."