NFHS obstruction/interference

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

So, just how many defenders does the "initial play" protect?...

Well, NFHS defines "initial play"...

Rule 2-47-3

Initial Play. A fielder is considered to be making an initial play on a
fair batted ball when she:
a. Has a reasonable chance to gain control of a ground ball that no other fielder (except the pitcher) has touched.
b. Has a reasonable chance to catch the ball in flight after it touches another fielder.
c. Fails to gain control of the batted ball and is within a step and a reach (in any direction) of the spot of the initial contact.

Notice the exception for the pitcher having touched the batted ball. This was still the initial play, but given the actions of the defender, I could support the OBS call.