They say that there’s no place like home. And for the former Washington Husky turned Volts’ standout, Sis Bates, the case proved to be true when she had the chance to play a three-game series back in her home stadium this past weekend. 

Here are four things you might have missed from Sis’s trip back to her alma mater:

1. THE WARMEST OF WELCOMES

The sold-out crowd at Husky Softball Stadium erupted when the former shortstop was introduced during the starting lineups. Bates took a moment to acknowledge the crowd in the stadium where she left her legacy. 

2. BATES BALLED OUT IN GAME ONE

In the first game of the series, Sis was unstoppable. She went 3-for-4 with one RBI to help the Volts beat the Blaze 11-6. The shortstop was also stellar on defense. 

3. INTRODUCING “LITTLE SIS”

A Volts fan surprised the former Husky with a replica Bates doll that Volts’ social media is calling “Little Sis.” Little Sis was decked out in a Volts uniform… visor and all. Bates snapped a photo with her gift.

4. SLIDING INTO SOCIAL MEDIA MEMES 

One of the biggest reasons fans and young players love Bates so much is because of the energy she brings to the sport of softball. That energy was there in Seattle once again, and a few social media accounts picked up on it. There was a moment in the first game of the series where Sis slides safely into home and has a fun celebration. That celebration made a few social channels across the AUSL. 

Bates back in Seattle lived up to the hype. Those watching in person and from afar experienced one of the greatest to wear that Husky uniform back in action on her home field.

If you didn’t get to catch the series against the Blaze, no need to worry. Bates and the Volts compete the next four days against the Bandits in Round Rock, Texas. 

Maria Trivelpiece is currently the Director of Video Communications and Reporter at the American Athletic Conference and a softball color analyst. Trivelpiece was an outfielder at Fordham University and still stays involved with the game through coaching and covering the sport. You can follow her on X M_Trivelpiece or Instagram @_mariatrivelpiece