Collegiate softball is back. The DePaul Blue Demons opened up the 2021 season in the warm confines of the Dome in Rosemont. The DePaul Dome Tournament featured DePaul, Valparaiso, Western Michigan, the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Loyola and Western Illinois. Unfortunately, no fans were allowed in the Dome, but there were plenty of us watching online.

Skylor Hilger (Photo courtesy of Steve Woltmann – DePaul Athletics)

DePaul started the tournament with a big 8–0 win over Valparaiso. The Blue Demons went 3–2 over the weekend, unfortunately ending with an 8–7 loss on Sunday in a game that went extra innings after DePaul had an early 7–1 lead. Even that tough loss could not diminish the fun of softball.

Tori Meyer (Photo courtesy of Steve Woltmann – DePaul Athletics)

I did my best to recreate the usual game day experience. I exchanged messages with several DePaul fans, including relatives of players. I sent good-natured jabs to my Loyola alumni friends after DePaul beat them but took equally fun texts from my Western Illinois alumni friends after their big win Sunday.

Maria’s Mexican Restaurant

Giordano’s

I also did the best I could to recreate the game day food experience. Over the weekend I brought home delicious food from Maria’s Mexican Restaurant, Giordano’s and Murray Bros. Caddyshack, three of my favorite Rosemont restaurants. I was happy to support local restaurants while enjoying great meals and almost feeling like it was a typical softball day. I’ll repeat this with my Lincoln Park favorites for DePaul’s home schedule.

Murray Bros. Caddyshack

While temperatures hovered in single digits and snow was constantly in the air, I was comfortably nestled in my place. It’ll still be chilly when the Blue Demons return to Chicago March 20, but I’ll gladly bundle up in the stands at Cacciatore Stadium if fans are allowed. Either way, I am simply happy that softball has returned.

— John Wroblewski, online writer